## Staying in Shape in SummerMy clients often ask me how to keep up with their fitness routines during the busy summer months. While it is good for the body to have periods of R&R and to enjoy the change in schedule, there are many ways to change up your regular routine to make the most out of weekends at the lake, beach vacations, or business trips in order to keep active. My favorite way to shake up my routine is taking a new class when traveling to a new city. I love trying new types of workouts, so when I travel, I look up popular classes in the area whose styles are outside my usual “go-to’s.” This keeps me excited about my workouts and I always get inspired learning something new. Summer is the perfect opportunity to use your surroundings as your gym.
While at the lake or beach going, for swim intervals, kayaking, paddle boarding or using your towel as a Pilates or yoga mat is ideal for getting creative and staying present while getting in a sweat. I love a goal and nothing keeps me more motivated than having something I am working towards; so I will sign up for a race, a hike, or commit to a studio’s summer challenge to keep myself pushing toward an end goal.If you are someone who does not enjoy coming up with your own workout routines, there are plenty of easy to follow videos that fitness professionals post either online on their personal websites, YouTube channels or even on social media. My personal favorites are Boston trainer, Lauren Hefez’s, quick 15-30 minute videos she posts on her website that you can stream at any time for a full body workout wherever you are. Our Body Electric is an online virtual studio that offers a variety of live classes from sculpting and yoga to cardio driven classes for a very reasonable monthly fee. I will also be regularly posting complimentary “PMMethod At Home” toning and cardio videos this summer to make sure all my clients and Instagram followers are covered for fitness on the go. You can follow me @paigemcclees for upcoming details. Whatever your summer plans may be, I encourage you to mix up your activity and try new forms of exercise outside your norm, you never know when you will find your next favorite sweat obsession.## *Paige McClees is a nationally certified and trained Pilates, Barré and fitness instructor known for her energetic, motivating, yet tough and disciplined teaching style. Her innovative classes, motivating playlists as well as her infectious love for health & fitness make Paige’s classes great for all fitness enthusiasts. Paige received her Bachelors of Science at Auburn University majoring in biomedical sciences. She continued her graduate education in Boston, at MGH Institute of Health Professions where she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013. Paige currently is a practicing sports physical therapist in the Birmingham area. She is a certified in Power Pilates, Barré, Lagree Pilates, and Piloxing and is passionate about helping others live a healthy and active life. She currently teaches her own brand of Barré and Pilates Fusion classes at Forma Arts + Wellness, and Megaformer classes at MPower.*
