Every summer, we see it.
Around this time of year, attendance naturally starts to drop. In fact, we typically see about a 20% decrease as vacations, cottages, kids’ activities, backyard barbecues, and busy schedules take over.And honestly…
I get it.
Summer is meant to be enjoyed.
But after coaching women for more than 25 years, I’ve also noticed something else.
The biggest threat to your progress isn’t the occasional barbecue or a week at the cottage.
It’s disappearing completely.
I’ve seen women work incredibly hard for months—showing up three or four times a week, building strength, creating healthy habits, improving their energy and confidence—and then one vacation turns into two months away.
Before they know it, September arrives and they’re starting all over again.
I’d rather see you shift your goal than lose your momentum.
Think Maintenance, Not Perfection
Summer doesn’t have to be about making huge gains.
Sometimes the biggest win is simply maintaining everything you’ve already built.
If you normally train four or five times a week, maybe summer looks like three.
Maybe it’s two during vacation weeks.
The goal isn’t perfection.
The goal is staying connected to your routine.
A Few Things That Work
Keep strength training.
Three or four workouts each week is ideal if your schedule allows. Even less can be enough to maintain your strength during a busy season.
Walk with purpose.
Don’t just stroll because it’s nice outside. Add some intention. Pick up the pace. A brisk walk—around an 11-minute kilometre for many people—is a simple way to improve your fitness while enjoying the weather.
Protect Monday to Friday.
If you know weekends include patios, celebrations, desserts, or a few drinks, that’s okay. Make Monday through Friday count. Build your meals around protein, vegetables, and smart choices so you can enjoy your weekends without feeling like you’ve completely fallen off track.
Exercise while you’re away.
Travelling? Most hotels have a gym. Even 15 to 20 minutes, two or three times during your trip, can make a huge difference. Add a few purposeful walks and you’ll come home feeling much better than if you did nothing at all.
Use your community.
One of the things that impresses me most every summer is watching women adapt instead of quit. Some who normally train in the evening switch to our 6:15 a.m. class just to get it done before the day gets away from them. Others squeeze in an 8:00 a.m. workout so they can be home before family activities begin.
They’re not finding more time.
They’re protecting the investment they’ve already made.
This Is How I Think
When I look at a member, I don’t see ten pounds lost.
I see over a hundred workouts.
Hundreds of hours invested.
Months of consistency.
New friendships.
Better sleep.
Stronger bones.
More confidence.
A woman who believes in herself a little more than she did before.
That’s why it always makes me sad when someone disappears for the summer.
Not because they missed a workout.
Because I don’t want them to throw away everything they worked so hard to build.
Enjoy your vacations.
Spend time with family.
Relax.
Live your life.
Just don’t completely turn the switch off.
Come September, your future self will thank you for protecting the investment you made in yourself.