When the sun starts to shine, it’s easy to get coaxed away from our workout routine.
Lazy days at the lake, hiking with the dog, patio time with friends … all are valuable for our social and emotional well-being.
But using your Saanich Access Pass to maintain your fitness routine – even in a lighter way over the summer – offers some pretty significant benefits, notes Colby Nye, a Saanich Recreation fitness instructor and weight room attendant.
“With fitness, consistency is king – you don’t want to lose the gains you’ve made over the previous months,” Colby says.
If you started a new routine back in January, you probably heard a lot about the importance of establishing a routine – building fitness into your life and committing to it until it becomes habit. Breaking from that habit not only risks your progress from the last six months but also makes it less likely that you’ll continue.
“As soon as you fall off your routine, it’s much easier to find reasons not to show up,” Colby says.
READ MORE: 6 ways to make your workout work
Take advantage of quieter times: Gym times and many of your favourite classes run throughout the summer, but will likely be little less busy. That means it can be a great time to try something new and to connect with the knowledgeable instructors. “People often tell me they’re surprised by how much the centres collectively offer,” Colby notes. And with four Saanich recreation centres to choose from, each with its own unique offerings, a new and interesting workout is always just minutes away!
Beat the heat: Saanich’s four weightrooms are air conditioned, so even though it’s hot outside, your workout can be as comfortable as ever inside. For many people, the comfort of the controlled environment can also be a safer option, away from the hot sun, Colby adds.
Maintain your gains: “We all want to spend time outside, but it can be a little harder to get back to your routine if you’re away too long,” Colby notes. The good news is that by focusing for the short term on maintaining, rather than gaining, you can enjoy an easier summer schedule without regressing. Try working out for three days a week instead of five, for example, or trimming your workouts to 30 or 40 minutes instead of an hour, Colby suggests. Once the fall rains return, your regular routine will be much easier to return to.
Get your Access Pass today!
Your Saanich Access Pass offers 31 different drop-in activities weekly at four centres, including fitness, sports, swims and skates. Check out the activity calendars online, then buy your pass online or at any Saanich recreation centre. Find a good selection of passes to choose from, with something for every budget, including a monthly payment plan for some passes. Learn more at saanich.ca/recreation
