Based on my experience at the gym, I can tell you that there is a large number of people who realize around April that bathing suit season is quickly approaching. The gyms fill up for about three months with people hustling to lose their winter weight then dies back down again when summer hits. These are also the same people whose cookware has dust on it in the summer time because they are never around to cook at home. Fair enough, I understand first hand that summer is a busy time. I have to ask you though, why work so hard for those three months to achieve moderately good results, when you can maintain this summer slim down all year round? The results you receive will be far better then moderate I assure you that.

Winter is certainly known as a time when people “hibernate” in their homes. It is amazing to see spring hit each year and all the happy smiling faces that come with it. I am a complete gym addict so can proudly say that I stay true to the gym year round. I might take 2 days a week to go for a run outside to get some fresh air if it is a nice night but that is as far as I stray. I do use the weekends to do outdoor activities as well but don’t we all? I sure hope so. It is summer! These weekend outdoor activities are not enough though. You must stay active during the week as well and keep this up all year round.

Whether it was a New Years Resolution or the realization that bathing suit season is on the way, if you have made the commitment and maintained a gym schedule for three months then don’t stop there! I have watched this pattern happen year after year at the gym right around the first nice days of Spring. The gym is all of a sudden packed with people, you often have to wait to get onto the treadmills and the classes that you always attend are suddenly full and turning people away. Then once June hits, the gym is back to its normal steady but not over packed self. Now I can understand the want to be outside instead of in the gym come June and July, but there is a happy medium and a way to maintain this summer slim down.

People tend to lose weight in the summer due to that fact that they are naturally far more active. The goal here is to keep it off and stay active! If you spent three grueling months at the gym trying to lose that winter weight don’t just throw it out the door. There are some common bad habits that people get into in the summer that tend to follow them back into the fall and winter months. I am going to visit those patterns and provide tips on how to avoid packing on those extra winter pounds each year.

First off, if you don’t put the weight on initially then you don’t have to worry about losing it right? I know what you are thinking, easier said then done. Wrong! I can tell you that it is far easier to maintain your weight then to ever try to lose a significant amount of weight regardless of your time frame. So the first habit to change is your fluctuating seasonal weight. Set a minimum number of days that you have to hit the gym each week year round. For example, 3 days is a good minimum for the summer time and 4 days for the fall, winter and spring months. Try going in the morning before work so it is out of the way or directly after work without stopping anywhere else that may distract you. Find a routine that works for you and keep to it, even if it is three days a week that is better then none. It’s ok to stray from the gym routine a little in the nicer weather as long as you are hiking, running, biking, swimming or walking instead. Anything that get’s your heart rate up for thirty minutes or more is a good alternative.

Walk! Walk when the weather is nice instead of driving everywhere. If you aren’t in an area where you can do that then take a nice brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner instead of laying on the couch. Park on the far side of the parking lot instead of fighting for the front row spot when shopping, don’t be lazy! Use public transportation and give your car a break. This usually requires some walking getting to and from the stops.

Don’t hibernate in the winter. The winter is a beautiful time of year and completely underrated by about 90% of the population. I die when I hear people complain about the winter months. If you are hibernating in the winter then you are not taking advantage of all it has to offer. When dressed appropriately being outside in the winter can be quite enjoyable. You can ice skate or downhill ski, snow shoe or cross country ski. Live in an area that makes that hard to do? Then you probably live in an area that has mild winters. Continue to take walks and run outside. Take advantage of any public pools or gym pools that might be available. Join some winter indoor sports leagues. There is so much to keep you active in the winter and most people don’t take advantage of. Take a dance class or dance lessons. Don’t sit in your house just because it is cold out, once you get moving you will warm up and forget about the cold.

Eat light dinners. In the summer months we tend to eat later since it stays lighter out much later in the evening. If you are eating after 7 pm then you should be eating a very light dinner. Eat lunch for dinner and dinner for lunch if you find yourself eating later in the evening. This will also help you sleep a little better at night too.

Summer is a busy time and I think most people would agree that you tend to dine out a lot more. Being conscious of the way you eat when dining out frequently is important. Just because you are dining out doesn’t mean you have a free pass to eat all the chips you want. Make sure you are getting salads and veggies into these meals and passing on the chips and fried foods. The summer is the best time to take advantage of the fresh produce that restaurants are bringing in from local farmers.

Snacking no nos. If you currently stop and pick up candy bars and crisps then that needs to stop. Most places that you can find these products you can also find fresh fruit. Fruit is a great snack. Also try healthy bars or some mixed nuts. Keep away from the sugar packed candy bars!

Drink water and lot’s of it! It will keep you full and keep you hydrated in the summer months. This will also keep you energized so you don’t make up excuses about being too tired to hit the gym or go for a run. That leads me into the final bad habit.

Don’t make up excuses. Have you ever heard the saying “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure”. It’s my favorite line. Don’t make up excuses. I have a busy life too, but I make time for the gym. If there is a will, there is a way.

I will remind you once more, it is far easier to maintain and keep the weight off then to struggle to lose it in three months time. As you get older you will find that it is more and more impossible. So work hard, stop making excuses and remain active all year long and I assure you in doing so you will maintain your summer slim down.

This article should be regarded as a reference source only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Seek the advice of your doctor before beginning any protocol. The author disclaims any liability arising from the use of information on these pages.