Here’s Exactly How I’d Approach My Health and Fitness If I Wanted to Get in Shape for the Summer
Let’s be honest—getting in shape for summer can sometimes feel like a loaded phrase. It’s been hijacked by diet culture, crash fitness plans, and promises of “toned arms in 7 days” that leave you exhausted, sore, and somehow still not feeling great in your body.
So let’s reframe it.
For me, getting in shape for the summer doesn’t mean shrinking or punishing myself—it means feeling energized, strong, clear-headed, and more at home in my body as the days get longer and life gets busier. It means taking care of myself in a way that feels doable, sustainable, and, dare I say…enjoyable.
Here’s exactly how I’d approach it if I were starting fresh. No extremes. Just a solid, feel-good strategy to help you move into summer with strength and ease.
1. Focus on Eating Mostly Whole Foods—Without Obsessing
I’m not here to give you a meal plan or tell you to cut out everything fun. But what I would do is gently shift toward whole, minimally processed foods. Think colourful veggies, fruits, quality protein, healthy fats, and carbs that come from things like oats, potatoes, or quinoa rather than a foil-wrapped snack bar with 18 ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Whole foods support your energy, your mood, and your recovery after workouts—and they help you feel full and satisfied without counting calories. I’d make it a goal to build most meals around veggies and protein and add some healthy fats for staying power.
Not every meal has to be a Pinterest-perfect salad. Start with small swaps:
Eggs and avocado toast over sugary cereal.
Chicken and roasted veg instead of drive-thru.
A piece of dark chocolate and tea instead of a full sleeve of cookies.
Give your body the kind of fuel it can actually use—you’ll feel the difference pretty quickly.
2. Incorporate Strength Training (Yes, Even Light Weights Count)
Cardio gets all the glory in springtime (and we’ll get to that), but building and maintaining muscle is essential. And no—you do not have to lift heavy at the gym to do it.
Your own body weight, light dumbbells, resistance bands, and even water bottles can be incredibly effective tools for strength training. The key is consistency and intention.
Muscle helps boost your metabolism, support your joints, and shape your body in a natural, balanced way. It’s also protective as we age. Think of it like insurance for your future body.
If I were getting into a new rhythm right now, I’d aim for 2–3 strength-based workouts a week. And yes, my online Pilates classes check that box beautifully—they combine resistance, control, and full-body strength work that leaves you feeling empowered, not wiped out.
Start small, stay consistent, and remember: building strength doesn’t have to hurt to work.
3. Get Your Steps In—Cardio is a Big Piece of the Puzzle
Walking is underrated. Especially in the spring.
If you’re just getting back into a routine or don’t love traditional cardio, walking is one of the most accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable ways to improve your fitness. It’s gentle on the joints, good for your mental health, and sneakily effective when done consistently.
Personally, I try to build in movement throughout the day instead of saving it all for a single workout. A walk in the morning to clear my head, a stroll with my dog, or a quick walk around the block after dinner.
And don’t forget—your heart is a muscle, too. Movement that gets it pumping (even just a little) matters. Whether you’re walking briskly, dancing in your kitchen, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, it’s all movement that supports your energy and cardiovascular health.
Pro tip: make it enjoyable. Fresh air + music or a good audiobook = a walk you actually look forward to.
4. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s Your Job
There is no workout or superfood that will make up for poor sleep.
When I’m trying to get into a healthier rhythm, sleep is the foundation. Not only does it impact your recovery and hormones, but it also affects how likely you are to reach for sugar, skip your workout, or feel irritable and foggy all day.
I know it’s not always easy, especially if you’re juggling kids, work, or stress. But even a few small changes can help:
Power down screens 30 minutes before bed.
Keep your room cool and dark.
Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
And honestly? A good night’s sleep makes everything else feel easier—eating better, working out, managing stress. So if you only take one tip from this post, let it be this one.
5. Try One of My 5-Day Pilates Challenges
Getting in shape for summer doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. That’s why I created my 5-Day Pilates Challenges — they’re a perfect, low-pressure way to build momentum and start feeling good in your body again.
Each day, you’ll get a short, doable workout that focuses on strength, mobility, and core stability. No jumping, no burpees, no fancy equipment. Just movement that feels good and supports your body—especially if you’re getting back into a routine or want something that fits your real life.
By the end of five days, you’ll not only feel stronger and more energized—you’ll have created a routine you can actually stick with.
And that’s the whole point. Getting in shape for summer doesn’t mean doing more. It means doing what works—and doing it consistently.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one right way to get “in shape.” But if I were starting today, this is how I’d do it:
Nourish with real food.
Move my body with intention and variety.
Walk in the sunshine.
Prioritize rest.
And start with something small that helps me build momentum.
Because summer isn’t about striving for a perfect body—it’s about feeling good in the one you already have.
If you’re ready to start moving with more ease and strength, I’d love to see you inside my Online Pilates Studio. No pressure, no guilt—just movement that meets you where you are.