With the start of the Bermudian summer (May 24) just 80 days away, the urge to hit the beach and show off a “summer bod” might be daunting because you don’t feel ready. However, focusing solely on a seasonal fitness quest is not only unsustainable, but also overlooks the wonderful benefits of staying consistent throughout the year.

The “summer bod” mentality often leads to crash dieting and extreme workouts, summer detox extremes and more, which are not only unhealthy but also demotivating in the long run.

This type of approach often results in burnout and disappointment, leaving you feeling worse off than when you started.

Instead of viewing exercise as a temporary fix, it's important, to embrace it as an essential part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Here's why waiting until summer to prioritise your fitness is a missed opportunity:

1, Consistent exercise boosts mood and energy: Participating in regular physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. This helps combat stress, anxiety, and fatigue, leaving you feeling energised and positive throughout the year, not just in the summer.

2, Building a strong foundation takes time: Crash workouts won't provide lasting results However consistent exercise, even low impact exercises definitely helps build muscle endurance, improve cardiovascular health, and increase bone density. These long-term benefits contribute to a healthier and more active lifestyle, regardless of the season.

3, Embrace the season, not just the summer sun: Winter and spring offer unique opportunities for outdoor activities like brisk walks, jogging, or even joining a recreational sports team. Even though a lot of us want to stay in our beds during the cooler months, bundle up, get out there and get moving. Then you can come back and be rewarded with a nice warm bed. Try to learn to appreciate the beauty of different seasons.

4, Find an activity you enjoy: Exercise shouldn't feel like a chore. Explore different activities like circuit training classes which offer the variety of cardio and strength training, dancing, swimming, or yoga. Find something you genuinely enjoy, and you'll be more likely to stick with it year-round.

5, Celebrate progress, not perfection: Focus on celebrating your progress, no matter how small. This could be increasing your workout duration, trying a new activity, or simply feeling stronger and more energetic.

Celebrate your achievements and enjoy the journey, not just the final goal.

Remember, prioritising your health and wellness isn’t seasonal; it's a lifelong commitment. Ditch the "summer bod" mentality and embrace a sustainable and enjoyable approach to exercise.

By incorporating physical activity into your routine all year round, you'll reap the numerous benefits of fitness and feel your best, summer and beyond.

Stay consistent and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience