Summer is in full swing and things are heating up. After doing all of our workouts indoors or in cooler weather, we’re excited for warm-weather outdoor runs or workouts.
Of course, the transition from treadmills to outside turf can be tough at first. And so can adjusting your training to the weather. Therefore, we’re tapping a few trainers and other pros for their best tips to maximize your warm-weather training. From goal-setting tofun workouts, scroll on for everything you need to know!
10 ways to gear up for warm-weather training
1. Set Season-Specific Goals
We’re big fans of goal-setting over here. But it’s important to remember that tailoring goals to the season can be the key to actually achieving them. For example, the number of miles or reps you log in spring vs. summer (when you’ve had ample time to acclimate to the outdoors) can take some time to adjust to! Then, once you do have an idea of what you want to accomplish, be sure to commit it to paper: “no matter how many workouts you want to get in per week, have a number in mind and jot it down!” says Matthew Kornblatt, Owner and Founder of RightFit Personal Training. “Studies prove that we are much more likely to accomplish our goals when they’re written out.”
2. Use Proper Pre-Workout Fuel
Proper fuel is *everything* when it comes to your routine. For spring training specifically, we love reaching for Vital Performance™ Protein Bars. Not only are these low-lactose bars complete with 20g of protein (including 10g of collagen peptides!), but they are also delicious and an incredibly convenient way to add them to your day daily routine. Especially as summer calendars fill up (just us?), there’s no need to be without delicious fuel close at hand.
3. Get A Variety Of Workouts On The Schedule
Get all your muscles working properly—and getting the rest they need—by incorporating a variety of workouts into your routine. If you’re looking for some inspiration, these six fun workouts are sure to get you going! (Runner’s note: When it comes to marathon training, I personally love dedicating one to two days a week to cross-training!)
4. Or, Learn How To Fall In Love With Running
Warm weather is prime for outdoor running. But we fully recognize that jogging may not be for everybody. Whether you’re new to the sport or haven’t picked it up for a while, this post may give you all the inspo you need to start logging some miles again.
5. Keep Motivation Up, Via A Friend
“Think about how much easier it would be to wake up for that early-morning fitness class if you’ve already committed to attending with your BFF,” says Haley Shaw, Founder of Amp Up Fitness. “Already have a workout buddy? Awesome! If you’re looking for a change, grab your phone right now, and text one of your friends. See if he or she would like to accompany you to the gym as a guest or find a cool new fitness class you’ve been dying to try – and sign up together!” (Note: Here’s atough workout routine to conquer with your BFF!)
6. Get Answers To Your Workout Questions
Do you have an unanswered workout question that’s holding you back? We’ve got ananswer for you! Read up on the top questions that may be road-blocking your success so you can go into spring training with full confidence this year.
7. Stay Replenished With The Best Post-Workout Supplements
Want to know the best way to stick to all of your training days? Proper recovery. For this, we love reaching for Vital Performance™ Protein Powder. Not only does it deliver 25g of protein (including 10g of collagen peptides), but it also stimulates muscle protein synthesis and promotes healthy bones, joints and tendons.**Psst! Looking for more ways to enjoy your protein powder? Read up on the5 best protein powder recipes that go beyond the typical shake!
8. Grab New Gear
There’s just something about new workout clothes that make you want to hit your workouts a little bit harder. Take advantage of the improved outdoor temps by grabbing some of our sleek Vital Proteins merchandise. From running tanks to trendy cropped sweatshirts, you’re guaranteed tolook good andfeel good on your next workout. (And that’s what it’s all about!)
9. Drink Lots of Water
“We often sweat more in the warm spring and summer months and need to be vigilant about hydration,” says Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN. While everyone’s needs are different, here’s her recommendation on where to start. “A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight (in pounds) and aim for half of that in ounces of water per day. For example, a 150-lb. individual should seek to drink 75 oz. of water a day. This is a good baseline but may need to be adjusted if this person is very active, sweats heavily, and/or feels thirsty often,” she adds.
10. Seek Inspiration From The Pros
Stay motivated to remain on your A-game with a list of sage workout motivationsayings. Our favorite? This quote from Michele Sotak, which we’re 100 percent going to print out and stick on our door!
"Dream big but have patience, work hard, and keep trying. If you are doing everything right, you should expect failure to happen. But don’t fear failure. It’s the only way to get to your big-picture goals.”
