​How to stay on track in summer

Summer is here, at long last. With temperatures reaching the high twenties it seems inevitable that many of us will fall off the fitness wagon. Or is it? From our experience as a personal trainers working alongside numerous clients, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. 
Let's look at four ways that you can enjoy the good weather without comprising your gains in the gym.
 
1. Drink more water!
In regular times you should be drinking 2-3 litres of water per day. With higher temperatures you dehydrate more, and you should be drinking more water, and drinking it more often. Make sure to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go!
 
2. Monitor alcohol intake
When the weathers good the last thing on your mind is tracking how much alcohol you are taking. However, being aware of this can be a real game changer for many people. Alcohol, and beer especially carries with it calories, and a fair amount at that. Your best option is to opt for low calorie spirits such as vodka or gin, while switching to non alcoholic beers if that's your drink of choice. Also too much alcohol can make you feel lousy for days after, which will affect your motivation and drive to workout. The key is to find a balance that ensures you can enjoy yourself but also can keep you from falling off the wagon completely.
 
3. Do outdoor activities
There are so many things we can do outdoors that there is really no excuse. Play soccer with the kids, go for a long walk/ run or do a garden workout. Go for a hike or play a round of golf or go swimming. The list is endless. The key thing here is to do something enjoyable outdoors that not only has you enjoying the sun, but crucially keeps you active and moving.
 
4. Make time for your gym sessions
Your health and well being is a priority, and it's important to treat it as such. If you want to maintain and improve your health and fitness levels, you need to make time for exercise. It needs to be a non negotiable. A good way to do this is to 'block' off two to three hours a week where you will workout or do a gym session with your personal trainer. This, above all else, will keep you on track - even with the amazing weather we're currently having.