Life doesn’t stop just because the temperature’s in the nineties – and neither should your fitness. Whether you’re powering through a summer trip or staying on the island, there’s a rhythm to staying active during the heat. The key? Knowing when to push and when to slow down – because sometimes, less really is more.

The truth is, summer heat truly changes the game. Your body isn’t just working to fuel your muscles, it’s working overtime to keep you cool.

That’s why you see puddles of sweat on your mat as you work out. As your core temperature raises, your heart pumps harder to send blood to the skin for cooling.

That means even a lighter workout feels heavier. But before you write that off as “slacking,” consider this: your body is still burning plenty of calories – sometimes even more – because it’s doing double duty.

So yes, it’s 100 per cent OK to go a little lighter. To slow your pace. To take more breaks. Drink your electrolytes!

You’re not losing ground, you’re playing it smart. Fitness isn’t about punishing your body; it’s about respecting it enough to keep showing up, even in the face of challenges like our Bermuda weather.

While you’re travelling, or just on the beach enjoying summer, stay active in simple ways: morning stretches, hotel room body weight circuits, walking instead of driving, or yoga in the park.

It’s not about replicating your usual routine exactly; it’s about keeping your momentum alive.

Here’s a little hack that changes everything: before you travel, book your regular fitness classes before you even leave. Why? Because when you get home, you’ll be tired, unpacking, and tempted to “take a week off to recover”.

That’s the slippery slope where fitness momentum quietly disappears. Because before you leave and you say ‘I’ll just book when I return’, which turns into a month later.

A booked class keeps you accountable. It’s like a breadcrumb trail back to your routine.

And let’s not forget – it’s hot. Really hot. So hydrate like it’s your job. Sip water throughout the day, not just during workouts. And stop comparing summer workouts to your cooler-weather pace.

Slower doesn’t mean weaker. Lighter doesn’t mean lazier. It means your body is adapting and thriving despite extra stress from the heat.

Miss a class or two while travelling? That’s not failure – that’s life. What matters is consistency over time, not perfection every week. You’re still ahead because you’ve stayed engaged.

So before your next trip – or even your next sweaty summer session – do yourself a favour: lock in your classes.

Make them part of your summer budget. Flights. Hotel. Rental car. Your fitness. This isn’t an “extra” – it’s your reset button, your investment in your future self.

And let’s be real for a second: one day will be your last workout. Your last long walk. Your last laugh in the sun.

We don’t get a countdown clock – it just happens. So why not make this time count?

Show up like it could be the last. Let every rep, every drop of sweat, every choice to care for your body be one you’d be proud to call your final one.

Don’t save your best for later. Later isn’t promised. But right now? That’s all yours!

Stay Fit and Cool and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook