2026 SUMMER FITNESS GUIDE

How to Stay Strong and Active This Summer

Summer brings vacations, golf, bike rides, yard work, long weekends and more time outside. It can also make it easy to fall out of your normal workout routine.

The solution isn't spending more time in the gym.

The goal is to maintain the strength, mobility and energy that allow you to enjoy everything summer has to offer.

Here are five simple ways to do it.

1. Keep Moving When You Travel

Vacation doesn't have to mean completely stopping your routine.

Walk, swim, bike, use the hotel gym or fit in a short bodyweight workout. You don't need your normal equipment or a perfect workout.

The goal is simply to keep moving.

Maintaining some activity while you're away also makes returning to your normal routine much easier.

2. Keep Strength Training

Summer naturally brings more activity. Walking, golf, cycling, hiking and swimming are all great ways to move.

But they don't completely replace strength training.

Strength training helps maintain the muscle and physical capacity you need for everyday activities and the things you enjoy doing outside the gym.

For many adults, two or three well-designed strength workouts each week can provide plenty of structure without taking over the summer.

3. Train for the Life You Want to Live

Most people aren't strength training because they want to become better at working out.

They want to:

• Play golf without their back tightening up.
• Keep playing pickleball or tennis.
• Hike or bike on vacation.
• Work in the yard comfortably.
• Keep up with their family.
• Feel strong and confident during everyday activities.

Your workouts should prepare your body for those things.

At Fitness Together Burlington, that's one of the biggest reasons we emphasize personalized strength training. Fitness should make the rest of your life easier.

4. Pay Attention to Hydration and Recovery

Heat, humidity and increased outdoor activity can take more out of your body than you realize.

Drink water consistently throughout the day and give your body time to recover.

Sleep, nutrition, hydration and easier days all matter.

Also, remember that your body doesn't distinguish between a formal workout and an active day of golf, yard work or walking around on vacation.

It all counts.

5. Choose Consistency Over Perfection

Your summer schedule probably won't look exactly like your winter schedule.

That's okay.

If you normally train three days but can only do two, train twice.

If you can't complete your usual workout, shorten it.

If you're tired from a busy weekend, adjust the intensity.

A sustainable fitness routine should be able to adapt to your life.

The goal isn't one perfect week.

It's staying strong and active for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I strength-train during the summer?

For many adults, two to three strength-training sessions per week can help maintain strength while leaving plenty of time for other summer activities. Your ideal schedule depends on your goals, fitness level and overall activity.

Does walking count as exercise?

Yes. Walking is an excellent physical activity and supports cardiovascular health. However, it doesn't provide all the benefits of resistance training, so combining walking with regular strength training is ideal for most adults.

Should I exercise while I'm on vacation?

Yes, but it doesn't need to look like your normal workout. Walking, swimming, cycling, hotel-gym workouts and short bodyweight sessions are all simple ways to remain active while traveling.

Why is strength training important as we get older?

Strength training helps maintain muscle, strength and physical capacity. Those qualities support everyday activities like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, traveling, gardening, golfing and staying independent.

Build Strength for the Things You Enjoy

Your workout isn't the end goal.

Feeling stronger, moving better, having more energy and continuing to do the things you enjoy are what matter.

At Fitness Together Burlington, we create personalized training programs around your goals, abilities and lifestyle.

Schedule a Complimentary Fit Evaluation to learn how the right training plan can help you stay strong and active throughout the summer and beyond.

Fitness Together Burlington
212 Cambridge Street
Burlington, MA 01803
781-273-0093