Ah, summer. It means sunshine, warm weather, and…crazy schedules! We know it can be challenging to stay committed to your exercise schedule. And we know between summer travel and the hectic summer schedules that your free time is even more valuable. Here are five ways to maximize your workouts so you can maximize your summer fun: 

1. Set Weekly Goals

When your normal routine is crowded out by hectic work schedules, family vacations, weddings, and more, it can feel impossible to stay on track. Keep your goals simple and short-term to stay focused and maintain your sanity. Set your goals at the start of week based on what’s on tap for that week. Plan how you’ll tackle staying on track during travel, or how you’ll hop back in the saddle when you return. Feeling more in control of your plans for the week will help you stay committed and help you hit your goals. 

2. Workout on the Go

Don’t have time to hit your favorite class, or need a sweat while on the road? Set aside 15-20 minutes for an “on the go” workout. Maximize your workout by targeting several muscle groups at once. Instead of focusing on an isolated movement (say, for example, a bicep curl), incorporate a movement that engages several surrounding and supporting muscles (like a traditional push-up, or a plank with should taps). This encourages more authentic movement – your muscles aren’t working in isolation, they’re working together as they would in the real world. Need ideas? See our at home workout. 

3. HIIT

This training style is popular for a reason. High intensity interval training maximizes your workout results with a shorter, more intense series of exercises. An Ascend ride or an Underground class is a perfect example of high intensity interval training with appropriate recovery times to keep the calories burning and the blood pumping. Or, try a Tabata series with a simple movement like squats: do as many squats as you can for 20 seconds, followed by a 10-second recovery. Repeat 8 times and feel the burn! 

4. Phone a Friend

It’s easy to find reasons to skip a workout. Enlist a workout buddy to keep you accountable, to push your limits, and to uncover your inner competitive self. Yes, studies show that working out with a friend increases weight loss and increases what you think you’re capable of. So grab your bestie, keep that workout date, and spark some friendly competition. 

5. Motivate

Find a workout that works for you. If you dread your workouts, your results will suffer. Love the feeling of picking up a heavy weight? Or the feeling after a strong sprint in the saddle? Make sure those components find their way into your routine. And take your motivation to the next level with some of our favorite beats. Wherever your summer schedule takes you, take these tips and maximize your workouts!