5 health benefits summer brings you

When the sun is high, the days feel long, and your mood is at its peak, nothing fits better than wisely balanced health investments.
Because even though summer is the season for ice cream, vacations, and beach days, it also provides plenty of opportunities for the joy of movement. Undemanding and tailored just for you, writes Thomas Skoglund, personal trainer.

Summer light

The seasonal light phenomenon is perfect for broadening your training horizons. So let the bright light of your morning walks start your days with refreshing energy and the sunsets in the evenings help you wind down mentally.
That said, make the most of the light. Walk in the sunset, run in the dawn light, or do yoga on the balcony—only your imagination sets the limits.

Playfulness

Summer games with the children are not only fun, they are also an excellent way to incorporate valuable exercise into everyday life. Activities such as water fights, hide and seek, and obstacle courses get the heart rate up and burn calories, all while laughter is inevitable.
Did you know, for example, that a fast-paced water fight can burn more energy than a brisk walk? So, leave the hammock, fill the water guns, and let playtime be the most fun part of your summer workout.

Spontaneity

In 2016, Swedish artist Kaliffa released the song “Spontanitet” (Spontaneity), and who knows, maybe he was onto something big even then? The truth is that detailed training plans, predetermined days of the week, and advanced machines are not necessary for an active summer. Instead, fill in the gaps in your schedule, whenever they arise, with bodyweight exercises, short jogs along the beach, or a few burpees while the barbecue coals reach the right temperature.
It’s not about what we do—it’s about doing something.

The weather gods

Let the weather surprise you – don’t let it stop you.
It’s no news that our Swedish summer weather is as unstable as the current global economy, but try not to let external factors get in the way of your well-being.
A light summer rain can transform your run into something almost meditative and unexpectedly refreshing. And hey, on days when Zeus shows off his worst weather, there are still plenty of health-promoting alternatives, ranging from home workouts to umbrella walks.
In short, don’t let the weather control you – control the weather.

Tip: Create a “rain plan” that includes five specific options, for both indoor and outdoor activities, that are always close at hand. That way, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time the clouds gather and your motivation wanes. Simple, but oh so effective.

The joy of movement

Vacation doesn’t have to be synonymous with Baden-Baden, bag-in-box wine, and constant sedentary behavior – quite the contrary. Finally, your time off can contribute both more time and energy for activities that otherwise don’t fit into the puzzle of life. With that said, dare to go all out, have fun, and try new adventures. Hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing, and beach training don’t just contribute to exercise – who knows, your next favourite hobby may be just around the corner.

Bottom line: Don’t link summer activities to performance, ideals, and pressure. Instead, focus on feeling good, physically and mentally, and exercise because you want to, not because you have to.

*Weight loss is individual, so we cannot guarantee how much/how quickly you will reach your goal. The important thing is all the health benefits. We distance ourselves from unhealthy ideals and crash diets, and do not recommend calorie counting if you are underweight, ill, or pregnant.