Let’s be honest—when summer rolls around and the temperatures climb past 90 degrees, working out can start to feel more like a chore than an adventure. Still, there’s something about this season that makes it a good time to take a fresh look at your fitness routine or set some new goals.

For me, getting outside early in the morning or later in the evening has made it easier to beat the heat. Hydration has also moved up my priority list; keeping a water bottle nearby and adding some lemon or cucumber slices keeps things interesting.

This summer, I decided to reset and think less about big achievements and more about day-to-day progress—whether that meant improving my running pace, lifting a little heavier, or just trying a new sport for fun. Hitting small milestones felt good, and it made sticking to my routine less of a grind.

I also started paying more attention to what I ate, leaning into whatever was in season. A quick peach and quinoa salad became a staple, and I experimented with things like zucchini noodles with pesto—perfect for a hot day when heavy meals don’t appeal. For breakfast, overnight oats with apple and cinnamon were both easy and satisfying.

As the days start to get cooler and fall approaches, it feels like the right time to mix things up again—maybe squeezing in a hike or a bike ride now that it’s not so hot.

If you’ve been thinking about resetting your fitness routine, summer can be a good excuse to try something new. Take it one step at a time, stay consistent, and enjoy the small wins along the way. No need to overthink it—just start moving, and see where it takes you.