Summer Fitness Hacks

Fitness Instructor Courtney Black on how to hack your summer fitness routine.

What does your fitness routine look like?

My schedule includes activities that keep me feeling energized and that I can maintain throughout the year.

I stick to five 45-minute workouts from my app each week, aim to get as much fresh air as possible, and always plan and prepare healthy meals that nourish my body.

Cooking your own food and knowing exactly what you’re putting into your body is essential.

Do you have any pre-summer fitness tips?

Like many people, I aim to get a bit leaner for summer, especially since I'll be celebrating my birthday in Italy this year.

The best advice I have is to stay consistent throughout the year and avoid crash diets, which can leave you feeling stressed and low on energy.

The key to staying in shape year-round is to find a fitness routine that you genuinely enjoy.

For diet, I recommend maintaining a slight calorie deficit (a few hundred calories below your maintenance level) to keep a lean physique without compromising your overall well-being.

What are your summer hacks for maintaining fitness?

Since I travel a lot during summer, I need a portable routine. That’s why I love my dumbbell-only and bodyweight workouts—they're short and effective, allowing me to stick to 45 minutes of exercise each day.

I also choose foods that keep me energized and follow an 80-20 rule, where 80% of my diet consists of whole foods and 20% is reserved for indulgent treats.

How do you stay consistent while traveling?

I rely on my app, the Courtney Black app, which features bodyweight and dumbbell workouts you can follow live.

This makes fitness more accessible and enjoyable, no matter where you are.

What are some easy exercises for long-haul flights?

Sitting for long periods isn't great for our bodies, so it's crucial to stay active. After a long flight, I recommend taking a long walk either the morning after or the evening you land.

The next day, grab some medium weights for a 45-minute full-body workout, focusing on a thorough warm-up to loosen up your lower back, hips, and any other areas that might feel stiff post-flight.

What advice would you give to someone struggling to find time to work out?

Working out at home can make fitness more fun and accessible.

My app eliminates the need for a gym commute, making it quicker to get your workout done.

You can finish in 20-30 or 45 minutes, and everyone can find time for that. Instead of scrolling on your phone when you wake up or watching TV in the evening, carve out some time to prioritize your body.

What's your take on cheat meals?

I think "cheat meals" is a toxic phrase because it can induce guilt or negative feelings about food.

A meal is just a meal—some are more nutritious than others. I always advise my clients, friends, and family to incorporate balance into their lives.

If you want some chocolate, have a small piece rather than waiting for a cheat day and potentially overindulging.

How do you stay motivated to work out?

Motivation can be challenging, but it often stems from seeing results, which won't happen unless you take that first step.

The hardest part is starting, but a workout becomes easier five minutes in. Always remember why you want to work out and how great you feel afterward.

This is The Summer Escape Issue—where are you traveling this summer?

I'll be in London for a week to visit family, then heading to Paris for the weekend.

After that, I'll be in Spain for a few weeks before going on my birthday trip to Italy with my partner.

We’ll then head to Greece with his family and finally the south of France for my annual summer trip with my mom.

It's a lot of traveling, but I’m excited for hotel and outdoor workouts, relaxation, and enjoying delicious food.

Source: emirateswoman

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.