Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and the perfect excuse to get outside and move. Whether you love a quiet morning walk or thrive on group energy, summer gives you the space to try something new—or rediscover what brings you joy.
Staying active supports your whole health, especially as you grow older. Here are a few ways regular movement can help you feel your best:
- Boost your heart health and circulation
- Improve digestion and immune function
- Support strong bones and joints
- Sharpen your focus and reduce stress
- Help you sleep better at night
- Lower your risk of falls
- Support weight management
- Build meaningful social connections
And yes—being active can be fun.
Try these summer-friendly ways to get moving:
Go for a walk—with a little one.
There’s something special about seeing the world through a child’s eyes. A walk around the block can turn into an adventure when you’re with a grandchild or neighbor’s kid. You’ll get your steps in, get some Vitamin D, and share memories along the way.
Take your favorite stretches outside.
Already have a routine that works for you—like yoga or gentle stretching? Take it outdoors. A blanket or yoga mat is all you need for a little movement in the fresh air. A park bench can double as a prop for balance or support.
Try the pool—even if you’re not a swimmer.
Swimming is gentle on joints and offers great full-body movement. But you don’t have to swim laps to get the benefits. Just moving in the water—walking, suspended or grounded, or stretching—can do wonders for your mobility and mood.
Try something new.
Maybe this is the summer you try tai chi, join a line dancing class, or give yoga a go. Many communities offer beginner-friendly classes—invite a friend or make a new one in class. It’s never too late to try something different.
Need a little motivation? You’re not alone.
It’s totally normal to feel unmotivated sometimes. Here are a few tips that might help:
- Do what you enjoy. Movement should feel good—not like a chore.
- Sneak it into your day. Don’t have 30 minutes? Try three ten-minute walks, varying your walking speed as you go. Try one minute fast and two minutes at your regular pace.
- Make it social. Walking with a friend or dancing at an outdoor concert turns exercise into connections.
- Track your wins. Whether it’s time walked or steps taken, a little progress goes a long way.
- Be kind to yourself. Missed a day? That’s OK. Start fresh tomorrow.
Wellness, your way.
At Vivie, we believe wellness is for everyone—and we’ve built spaces to support that belief. Many of our residences offer wellness centers that are open to both residents and community members. Whether you’re looking for a new fitness class or just a welcoming place to move, we’d love to see you there.
Alice Schmitz
Alice Schmitz is passionate about helping people feel stronger, move better, and live well. As Vivie’s manager of wellness centers, she helps create welcoming spaces where individuals can build confidence and reach their health goals. With 27 years of experience in fitness instruction, Alice holds multiple wellness certifications, including ACE personal trainer, Aquatic Exercise Association, and group exercise certifications. She also developed the Total Knee and Hip class, helping people prepare for surgery and regain strength and mobility during recovery. Whether she’s leading a class or providing guidance along the way, Alice is dedicated to helping people overcome physical, mental, and emotional challenges—empowering them to achieve what once felt out of reach.
