Summer is here. (knock on wood because Canadian summer is really taking its sweet time to arrive this year). It is time to let go of rigid routines and rediscover the beauty of movement with freedom, joy, and self-love this summer.

There’s something magical about summer. The warmth, the longer days, the scent of my neighbor’s bbq at 5pm, the sound of the ice cream truck at the playground, when I have to yet again buy overpriced Ice cream for my kids. It’s a season that calls us to breathe deeper, laugh louder, and live lighter. But all too often, summer also brings pressure: the pressure to have the “perfect body” (death to all the social media memes of summer body), to follow strict routines, to fix what was never broken.

This year, what if you and I did things differently?

What if summer wasn’t about pushing harder, but about letting go?

What if fitness wasn’t about shrinking, but about expanding into joy, beauty and freedom?

Welcome to your unscripted summer of movement. Can I hear an Amen?

The beauty of movement without pressure: Let’s start with this: your body is already enough. Full stop.

We’ve been conditioned to think of fitness as a tool to change how we look, to chase a narrow standard of beauty that often feels unreachable. But the true beauty of movement isn’t in results, it’s in the act itself. It’s in the way your muscles stretch, your heart beats stronger, your mind clears. For me, it is also the excitement of reaching a new PR at the gym.

Movement should be a celebration of being alive. A privilege that you get to do this. Your body gets to move. This summer, choose beauty in how you move, not just how you look.

Freedom from rigid routines: Forget the perfect plan. Ditch the guilt when you miss a workout. This season is an invitation to release the rules and rediscover fun.

Take your workout outside. Trade the treadmill for a trail. Swap reps for rhythm. Try:

• Spontaneous dance breaks in your kitchen
• Beach or park walks with no step goals.
• Mobility workouts on your balcony or in your backyard
• Hiking, biking, or swimming with friends or family. I am attempting to learn how to bike this summer, and maybe even swim?
• Movement snacks: short bursts of stretching or strength throughout your day

Freedom means listening to your body and moving in a way that brings you joy.

Letting go of shame and comparison:  One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is the decision to opt out of comparison. Social media might show you filtered bodies and curated workouts but your journey is sacred and unique.

This summer, let go of shame. Release the pressure to perform. Your worth isn’t measured in calories burned or pounds lifted.

Instead, try this reflection:

“How does my body want to move today?”
“What would feel good, not just look good?”

Let that guide you.

Creating your unscripted summer movement plan: You don’t need a 12-week challenge to feel strong and alive. Here’s a flexible rhythm to keep your body active and your spirit light:

Example:

• 2 days of intentional joyful movement (walks, dance, Pilates)
• 3 days of strength-based play (lifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight movement)
• 1 day of outdoor adventure (hike, swim, nature trail, picnic movement)
• 1 day of rest or light movement (stretching, mobility, or simply being still)

Make space for spontaneity. Your plan should bend and not break under the beauty of real life.

This summer, you don’t need a reset. You don’t need to hustle harder. You need to listen to your body. Let movement be your release. Your expression. Your declaration of joy.

Let this be the season where you finally move not for punishment or approval but for love.

Unscripted. Unapologetic. Unstoppable.