Not Just a ‘Summer Body’: 4 Ways I Move to Feel Good

Summer doesn’t have to mean high-intensity everything, chasing a “summer body,” or pushing yourself through workouts you secretly hate. For me, movement is about reconnecting—with my body, my breath, and that part of me that feels alive and capable.

These are four summer workouts I’ve personally loved, not because they’re trendy, but because they feel good. They support your nervous system, they let you be where you are, and they’re flexible enough to meet you on your best and worst days.

1 — Bike Rides

Whether it’s a solo ride along the seawall or through your neighborhood at golden hour, cycling has a way of shifting your state. It clears mental clutter and gets your body into a rhythm that’s both energizing and calming.

It’s not a race. You don’t need fancy gear. Just a bike, a route you enjoy, and a willingness to let go of whatever the day dropped on your shoulders.

2 — Beachside Yoga

Even if you’re not a “yoga person,” hear me out. There’s something grounding about moving on the sand. The unevenness slows you down, keeps you present. The ocean in the background adds a low hum of calm.

Feeling a little nervous or awkward about stretching it out in public? Invite your bestie. There’s something about sharing the space—and a few laughs—that makes it easier to drop the self-consciousness and just enjoy it.

You don’t need a full flow. A few cat-cows, forward folds, and slow lunges with your toes in the sand is more than enough.

3 — Trail Walks or Light Hikes

When I need to regulate my nervous system and get a little movement in, this is it. There’s no pressure to perform, no counting reps, no mirrors. Just trees, uneven dirt paths, and your body moving through space at its own pace.

It’s one of the simplest ways to get grounded—literally. The act of walking, especially in nature, helps reset your thoughts and recalibrate your breath. Sometimes I’ll pop in a podcast, and other times I’ll just let the silence do the work.

Bonus if there’s a view at the top. But honestly, the walk itself is enough.

4 — Indoor Kickboxing

This is my go-to when I’m overstimulated, annoyed, or feeling pent-up in a way that nothing else can fix. Kickboxing moves energy out of the body. It’s full-body. It’s intense. And the rhythmic movement helps shake loose whatever’s sitting under the surface.

No, it doesn’t have to be in a gym. I’ve thrown punches in my living room following a YouTube video and felt just as accomplished.

It’s especially great in summer when the pressure to be relaxed or carefree doesn’t match how you're actually feeling. This gives you somewhere for all that extra energy to go.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best workouts are the ones that fit into your life—not the other way around. These are just a few ways I’ve been moving my body lately that actually feel good and doable. Nothing extreme, nothing that requires a whole personality shift. Just small ways to stay connected, clear-headed, and consistent.

If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s not about doing more—maybe it’s about doing what makes sense for you, right now.