Admittedly, I struggled with the title for this article. I thought about “The Glory of Summer” and “Launching into a Spectacular Summer” among several other options. I settled on “Preparing for a Sensational Summer” and it’s with an enthusiastic and optimistic attitude that I embrace this season.
First off, let me offer my heartfelt thanks to you for being a member of this community. The opportunity to engage with likeminded people is indeed a privilege and joy. We’re all unique individuals but we have many things in common. Perhaps highest among those aspects is the desire to be the best version of ourselves and to live our best lives. There are myriad ways to approach those objectives and that’s how I’m framing up this summer blast-off.
I’ll briefly mention a few things going on with the Training Tribe. That’s our nationwide coaching and workout team within The Lifetime Athlete App. June, July, and August are very unique with respect to programming. This is in part due to the fact that we train power and speed. These are “icing on the cake” or pinnacle components of longevity-based training. This type of training requires a reasonable base of strength, agility, and endurance (which we build all year). Then we express athleticism – and youthfulness – maximally during the summer. It’s definitely a “get to do” kind of thing as opposed to a “have to do” form of drudgery.
June represents the second month of our two-month Power Block in which we focus upon rate of force development and sustained high output capacity. Then, we scientifically, safely, and progressively experience maximum velocity in human movement during our July/August Speed Block.
The T2 summer training split, or how we divvy up the workouts, is quite unique. We take our major sessions outdoors, and supplement this with some secondary gym workouts. The schedule tends to be a bit more casual, or menu-based, at this time of year. Members are encouraged to adjust workouts around their summer activities and vacations, finding that sweet-spot win for training that augments the seasonal experience without feeling like a job.
I made a case for outdoor training (and always, play and competition) in a previous missive. Just the other day, the monthly Training Talk episode on the podcast described this week’s training split in detail.
We also issued a brief update video on our TLA T2 FittKitt. This is the simple, mobile equipment setup we use for our field and track workouts.
The summer workouts are unique because they are not just creative or innovative. They provide benefits which are specific to the season and that just can’t quite be had indoors or at other times of the year. An emphasis on existing and thriving like a vital animal in the natural environment. A focus on group training and fellowship, as members recruit others and share the magic with friends and family. Picnics and water activities as part of the workout experience. A chance to throw down and celebrate simultaneously.
So yea, that stuff excites me. But I also have a few suggestions for you to try as we dive into this delightful season. I’m going to try to do all these items because I’m filled with this summer inspiration. Feel free to consider any or all of these as it suits your fancy.
Do a lot of something you love. Is your jam golf, fishing, tennis, boating, hiking, gardening, or any other great pursuit? Take advantage of summer’s opportunities and make enjoying the things that define you a priority. And share that passion with others.
Get better at one thing, particularly if it’s something you don’t think you’re good at. This could be anything from tying flies to small engine repair to bowling. Don’t harbor high expectations, just explore an engagement with an inquisitive perspective. If you don’t love it, that’s OK. You don’t have to pursue mastery, just get a little more proficient. But you might find something that really excites you if you give it a try.
Try something totally different and new to you. Novel learning with a growth mindset is great for challenge, skill development, and neuronal plasticity. It’s humbling to be challenged and very gratifying to see a little progress. Avoid frustration but see if you can learn at least one new trick. Even if you are an old dawg.
Go camping at least once. Spending time in nature, and living in the woods or other environment provides an essential fulfillment to the human which is a primal necessity. Glamping is OK but if you can sleep in a tent or primitive shelter…that’s a nice departure from the modern world and a reminder of who we are as human animals.
Be outside before dawn and after dusk on occasion. There’s something magical about being present before the day begins and after it ends which is hard to describe but immediately recognizable. There’s a calmness that will pervade your soul.
Embrace the magnificence of water immersion. Of course, be near or on the water in a watercraft. But also, where safe to do, get in the water and feel the benefits of mammalian submersion. Splash, swim, soak, and feel refreshed and revitalized.
Prepare and consume some meals that are only made from whole, fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.You probably do this instinctively. But make a point to create a few summer-specific dining experiences that you can share with your loved ones. Take nourishment to a high level.
Safely get some sunshine on your skin and into your eyes. We’re going for circadian rhythm reset and vitamin D production among other things. Of course, don’t stare directly into the sun and never burn your skin. Use good judgement but view solar exposure as Vitamin S.
Revel in the present, and worry less (or none at all) about the past or future. Ok, we all need to be reminded to do this, so why not make that a part of all these summer experiences? Simplify your thoughts. Slow down your breathing. Let awareness wash over you.
Thanks so much for joining me today. I welcome your questions or comments anytime. If you’re a subscribed member in the App, the Member Submissions portal gets top priority. Or you can use the Contact option on the website as well as DM on Instagram. I hope you have your best summer ever!