With its spontaneous trips to the beach and endless days spent by the poolside, summer for many people is the season where they spend the most time outside, wearing the least amount of clothing. Taking that into consideration, looking and feeling one’s very best becomes a priority. Staying fit during the summer months however, can prove to be difficult with all the lazy vacation schedules, family barbecues, and delicious desserts. That being said, all it takes are a couple fun and creative ways to maintain your healthy lifestyle for all of Summer 2019 and beyond.

1. Go for a run

Running is a great–and not to mention free–way to get in shape. It’s one of the few workouts that can truly be done at anytime and at any place. Nothing is better than waking up early, putting some sneakers on and going for a run. It’s an easy way to implement a cardio workout while giving you some time to reflect on all of the exciting summer memories you’re bound to make.

2. Follow along with YouTube workout videos

Home workouts are always nice because you can exercise in the liberty of your own home without having to worry about sharing a space with anyone. There are many helpful channels and video series that can not only be customized to your personal goal, but that can be 30 minutes or less (for those who have busy schedules). These are especially good if you’re on vacation and are looking for a quick, but effective workout that can be done in villa in the Maldives or the living room of your Airbnb. We love Victoria’s Secret model Romee Strijd’s workouts on Youtube, I have inserted one above.

3. Do a stair workout

Regardless of where you choose to spend your summer, there will always be a good set of stairs to work out on. Instead of spending time indoors on the elliptical machine, try out set of steps and enjoy the fresh air. Whether you’re quickly running up flights of stairs or slowly building your endurance, climbing stairs is a free and easy way to get the toned legs you’ve always dreamed of.

4. Go to a fun workout class

If jogging on a treadmill for an hour or doing a mindless amount of squats doesn’t seem like the most entertaining way for you to burn calories, try taking a specialized workout class. Shake your hips in a Zumba class or work up a bucket of sweat at a SoulCycle session. The endless options of workout classes take traditional workout exercises out and flip it upside down. Aside from the wonderful fitness benefits of taking these classes, you’ll be meeting new people, listening to new music and definitely will be igniting a new passion!

5. Dance parties

Grab a friend, turn up your favorite song and put on your dancing shoes. Having a dance party is not only a great way to spend time with your friends, but it’s also an innovative way to work out without having to even leave the house. After just a few songs, you’ll have worked up quite a sweat and have had fun doing so. Burning calories has never been so easy when you’re jamming out.

6. Working out in the water

Working out in the ocean or pool is one of the best ways to stay fit while still having fun this summer. For example, paddle boarding, surfing and swimming are perfect ways to get outside without taking a break from your workout regimen. Besides helping you to get tan and stay active, taking part in water sports is a way to branch out and try new things during Summer 2019.

7. Try new recipes

When it comes to getting fit, everyone knows that by exercising, you’re only halfway there, because maintaining a healthy diet is fundamental as well. Instead of forcing down the same bland protein shakes and mediocre green salads, try out some fresh, new recipes this summer and watch as your love for healthy eating grows. From colorful veggie wraps to refreshing summer salads, there are countless, delicious recipes to test out in the kitchen this summer. Influencer Negin Mirsalehi has a great oatmeal recipe on her Youtube channel, check it out above!

8. Exercise in the sand

If you’ve ever tried running along the beach, you know that moving through sand is much more difficult than it seems. Exercising on the sand builds your strength, increases the number of calories burned and stretches out your muscles, more than during a typical workout. Whether it be jumping high during a match of beach volleyball or running a circuit along the ocean, exercising in the sand is a great workout. Let’s also not forget about the beautiful view that you’re sure to encounter.

9. Substitute desserts

As the weather heats up, we find ourselves reaching for the freezer more and more, in search for that frosty pint of ice cream. Although delicious, by the end of summer, these refreshments can add up in the calorie department, so try substituting ice cream for less caloric options like homemade fruit popsicles or vegan ice creams. The recipes for these sweets often call for only two or three ingredients, making for a stress-free, guilt-free treat.

10. Workout alongside friends

Staying fit is so much easier and enjoyable when you work alongside your friends. When you workout with other people, not only do you get the benefits of the exercise, but you also get the cherished company of a dear friend. From holding each other accountable when going out for food and working out together, to celebrating each other’s successes and serving as a support system, there’s nothing better than embarking on a fitness journey with those you care for.

Edited by Julissa Ramirez.