Liam Rushmer, director of Cambridgeshire-based Fitness Rush Group, writes the first edition of his monthly fitness column
Summer is a perfect reminder that exercise doesn't have to mean spending hours in a gym.
Warmer weather naturally encourages us to venture outdoors, making it easier to move more without even realising it.
With temperatures rising, it's important to train smarter, not harder.
Stay hydrated throughout the day, wear lightweight clothing and, where possible, exercise during the cooler mornings or evenings.
Your body works harder in hot weather, so listen to it and don't be afraid to slow the pace.
The school holidays also create fantastic opportunities to build activity into family life.
A walk along the beach, exploring a country park, swimming, cycling, paddleboarding, trampoline parks or simply playing games in the garden all count towards a healthier lifestyle.
The best exercise is often the activity you enjoy enough to keep doing and are more likely to continue with it.
Rather than focusing on calories burned, focus on creating memories.
Children don't remember how many steps they walked, but they'll remember the adventures they had.
Adults are no different.
Aim to move every day, even if it's just a gentle walk after dinner or a family day exploring somewhere new.
Every step contributes to your physical and mental wellbeing.
As summer draws to a close, routines begin to return.
Next month we'll look at how to build healthy habits that fit around busy work and school schedules, making exercise something that works with your lifestyle rather than against it.
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