5 Motivational Tips for a Summer Workout Routine

If you are struggling to find ways to maintain your fitness motivation, here are some simple tips to help, along with advice on how to make the most out of our Step Into Summer Playlist of online dance classes.

Need an extra dose of inspiration? We asked our dancers about their workout routines, plus their best tips to keep active and motivated on holiday.

Why is it so challenging to follow a workout routine at this time of the year?

The longer the day, the lower your fitness motivation. It might sound like a great contradiction, but many people experience this feeling. If this resonates with you, you’ll be glad to know you’re not alone!

One of the main reasons it gets harder to exercise in the warmer months is – obviously – the heat. Workouts can become (literally) hell if you are melting on your yoga mat or while taking your online dance classes. At the same time, you don’t want to miss out on everything that is going on. Summer brings so many exciting events, gatherings with friends, trips and holidays! With such a busy social schedule, where does your workout plan fit in?

Rethinking your workout routine for the summer months is a great first step to level up your fitness motivation. If the New Year feels like a perfect time to start implementing new habits, why not use summer to break free from the routine? Evaluate your current workout routine and think about how you can adapt it for some active summer fun.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Workouts in Summer

Before you turn on your laptop and stream your favourite online dance classes, let’s recap some of the best practices for a perfect summer workout routine:

Say YES to:

• Making the most out of the sunny weather with outdoor workouts. Why not practice your favourite dance steps on your balcony or garden, or stretch in the park?
• Wearing breathable clothing.
• Exercising during the cooler moments of the day. Don’t let heatwaves stop you!

Say NO to:

• Trying extreme workouts. Find what’s best for your body when it’s warm outside. Our Step Into Summer Playlists offer online dance classes ranging from Absolute Beginners to Intermediate ballet classes – just pick what’s suitable (and gentle) for yourself.
• Not drinking enough water.
• Getting stuck in a rut. Try something new with a mix of different classes.

Ready to put your sunglasses on, stroll to your local park and move your body with a dance class? Let *dance like nobody’s watching* be your summer mantra!

Our 5 Motivational Tips for a Summer Workout Routine

1. Build a Summer Schedule – but be flexible with it
2. Take your workout with you wherever you go
3. Stay hydrated
4. Try something new
5. Give yourself a post-workout treat

1. Build a Summer Schedule – but be flexible with it

There are many reasons why your winter fitness plan might not be working at this time of the year. The sun is shining and you want to make the most of the season. But a workout routine can still be a fun part of it!

Planning time to take dance classes might be easier than you think if you’re flexible enough to squeeze your workout routine into different times of your day. Early morning, lunchtime or after a beach day: you decide when it works best for you. There’s one simple rule: keep active.

In our Step Into Summer series, you don’t need to book your class in advance. You have the flexibility to choose the time that is most convenient for you, without ruining your summer bucket list plans. Schedule up to one hour of your day to take a full ballet class – or simply just 10 minutes for a gentle warm-up. What could be better than stretching before a day at the beach? (Well, ice cream can be the second best thing!).

2. Take your workout with you wherever you go

Don’t just pack your best swimsuits when going on holiday. Carry your most comfortable leotard (or fitness clothing) so you are ready to exercise, no matter where you are.

Are you staying at an idyllic beach or hiking through mesmerising landscapes? Let the surroundings inspire you for an exciting outdoor workout. All you need is a portable device and Wi-Fi connection, and you can take your online dance classes on vacation with you.

ENB pro tip for an active summer:

During the holidays, I enjoy adding fun to my fitness routine by engaging in outdoor activities with my family in Vancouver. These activities include yoga, mountain biking, and paddleboarding!

Ashley Coupal, Artist of the Company

3. Stay hydrated

It’s a simple but essential tip, particularly on warmer days. When you sweat, you lose fluids – so you need to replace them. That way, you reduce the risk of heat stress, maintain your normal body function and boost your performance levels. Make sure you keep hydrated before, during, and after your daily exercise, helping you to not feel overwhelmed when trying out the most challenging exercises from our online dance classes.

The amount of water you should drink depends on your sweat rate, the length of your workout, and the heat and humidity in the environment, so it is a good idea to drink some extra glasses of water during the summer months.

4. Try something new

If you are still finding it hard to keep your fitness motivation, why not start a personal summer challenge and try out something new?

If you have never tried ballet before, summer can be a great time to free your inner dancer and work on your posture, flexibility, or coordination. The are so many benefits from taking ballet classes, and your body will thank you for giving it a go!

Ready to take the challenge? Read more about the benefits of online dance classes for adults.

If you are already a ballet devotee, why not try out a new level or some repertoire classes? In the Improver July Playlist, you can learn two variations inspired by Tamara’s Rojo Raymonda. But remember, listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard, especially on warm days.

ENB pro tip for an active summer:

In the summer, I love to go back to basics. Super basics… basically baby exercises! Gentle pilates and spinal rolling, occasional walking around on demi-pointe, and keeping my lower back and shoulders open are the most important for me. Baby yoga, baby pilates, and baby cardio help my body settle back into a more neutral place for the next season, and I don’t have to rely on any special exercise equipment so can really make the most of the holidays!

Angela Wood, First Artist

5. Give yourself a post-workout treat

Let the sunshine into your workout routine! Think about your favourite summer activities and incorporate them into your plans. Watching the sunset with friends. Taking a swim in the pool. A picnic in the park or a walk on the beach. You choose your best post-workout activity. This is a great way to enjoy yourself and stay active – even when the weather invites you to lie down!

ENB pro tip for an active summer:

I like to keep my back and hamstrings active by doing a penché every day, that way my muscles don’t seize up the first week back from holidays (I do the occasional ballet class when I’m home). I also go to the beach often, which helps relax my muscles whilst I float in the sea.

Adriana Lizardi, First Artist

Let dance and exercise be a fun, cheerful part of your summer. Visit BalletActive to access our Step Into Summer Playlist and choose your favourite online dance classes for an exciting workout routine.