Stop Fighting, Start Fitting...

Fitness should fit.

Summer is finally here, and it doesn't come around that often in the PNW, so the best thing we can possibly do is enjoy the hell out of it while it lasts.

Which means getting out of town, days at the beach, barbecuing with friends and family, copious amounts of ice cream, and so much more...

But even though there is so much to look forward to, summertime can also pose a threat to the healthy habits and routines you have built up throughout the year. So if you are already feeling a little uneasy how well this summer will mesh with your fitness goals, remember this:

Fitness should fit into your life, not take it over.

There’s a common trap people fall into when trying to improve their health:

They think they have to choose.

Choose between the party or the progress.

The vacation or the goals.

The good time or the good habits.

But here’s the thing: If fitness doesn’t fit into your life, it’s not going to last in your life.

You can’t expect to keep showing up for something that constantly feels like a conflict. You’ll either burn out—or start resenting the process.

The real goal is integration, not sacrifice. Fitness shouldn’t be something you have to escape from. It shouldn’t make you feel like you’re missing out, saying no to everything, or “falling off” every time life gets fun.

Because health isn’t about controlling everything. It’s about building a life where your habits support you—not restrict you.

It should enhance your life, not shrink it.

So how do we make fitness fit?

1. Let your lifestyle shape your routine. Your goals matter—but so does your reality. Instead of forcing a “perfect” plan, start with your schedule.

• Busy season at work? Shorten your workouts, don’t skip them.

• Traveling a lot? Walk, stretch, or do bodyweight workouts.

• Social calendar full? Build in structure where you can, so you can enjoy the social events without guilt.

2. Get clear on your non-negotiables. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do something. Pick 2–3 habits that keep you feeling grounded and consistent—no matter what life throws at you. That could be protein with every meal, a daily walk, and 2x/week of strength training. Simplicity leads to consistency.

3. Know when to flex the plan. There will be days when the plan goes sideways. That doesn’t mean you’re “off track.” It means you’re human. What matters more is what you do next. Consistency isn’t perfection, it’s the ability to return to your baseline, again and again.

4. Stop blaming a lack of discipline. If sticking to your routine always feels like a battle, it’s not a discipline issue. It’s a strategy issue. Forcing your way through an unsustainable plan will only lead to burnout. Long-term fitness doesn’t come from constantly struggling, it comes from creating a routine that actually fits your life.

So as you soak up the sun, make memories, and squeeze every drop out of summer. Remember: you don’t have to choose between enjoying your life and making progress. The sweet spot is where both can exist together.

ACTION ITEM - REFRAME “FALLING OFF”

Instead of asking:

“How do I stay on track while I’m busy, traveling, or celebrating?”

Ask yourself:

“What does my version of consistency look like right now?”

Then commit to it. And whatever it is, make it realistic, flexible, and repeatable.