As the weather shifts in Bermuda, movement changes with it. The structure of the year loosens, the days stretch and suddenly being active feels less like something you have to schedule and more like something that naturally fits into your day. But that shift can go one of two ways — you either move more without thinking about it, or you lose consistency altogether.

“I see a lot of people swapping out their usual routines for more spontaneous movement,” says Jenia Thompson, of Align Health and Fitness. “Walking more, being outside, swimming, joining the odd class here and there. It’s great, but it can also mean consistency starts to slip a bit. The people who feel the best this time of year are the ones who keep a bit of structure, but also take advantage of being outside more. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.”

And consistency, right now, looks different than it does in January. It’s not long, intense workouts or rigid plans. It’s what people can actually fit into their lives.

She continued: “The things people stick to are the ones that are easy. Right now, that’s mostly walking, small group training and short workouts that don’t feel like a big commitment. No one is sticking to long, complicated routines. If it feels like too much effort to get started, it usually doesn’t last. The simpler it is, the more likely people are to keep doing it.”

Asked why outdoor movement hits differently in Bermuda, Ms Thompson said: “Because it just feels better! You’ve got the ocean, the breeze, the light — it changes the whole experience. Moving outside here doesn’t feel like a chore in the same way it can indoors.

“It also takes away a lot of the pressure. For people who don’t love the gym, being outside feels more relaxed, less intimidating and easier to enjoy.That alone makes a big difference in whether people stick with it.”

Where people tend to go wrong is in the rush to “get in shape” for summer, said Ms Thompson.

“People suddenly jump into intense workouts, cut their food right down and expect quick results. It usually lasts a couple of weeks before they burn out or lose motivation. Getting in shape isn’t about going all in for a short period — it’s about being consistent over time.

“The ones who feel good going into summer are usually the ones who kept things steady, not extreme.”

For those who don’t love the gym — or don’t see themselves committing to a structured routine — the starting point is simpler than most people think.

“Don’t start with the gym. Start with something that feels manageable — like a daily walk, even if it’s just 15–20 minutes. Add in a bit of movement at home or outside when it feels right. The goal at the beginning isn’t to love it — it’s just to get into the habit of moving. Once that becomes part of your routine, everything else becomes a lot easier to build on.”

Ms Thompson said a good week of movement should be balanced with a couple of strength sessions during the week, mixed with lower-key days where movement happens more casually.

That could include a walk somewhere scenic, a swim or even something social, like pickleball, which has quickly become one of the more popular ways to stay active without it feeling like a workout.

She also said prioritising rest is important.

“If it feels like something you need a break from, it’s probably too much. Walking, every time — people dismiss it because it feels too simple, but it’s one of the easiest ways to stay consistent, improve your health and clear your head. Especially here, where it’s actually enjoyable, it can be a really solid foundation.”