TRUST THE PROCESS. BE PATIENT.

my 16 oz hydro flask with plain water. I keep it on my bedside table so I can reach for it upon waking. After this, I’ll lay out my yoga mat and do some dynamic stretches. For example, leg swings, hip openers, and the butterfly stretch. Then, I’ll do a 5 minute meditation and practice gratitude. I audibly will say what I am grateful for in my life. I find this allows me to count my blessings in real time and also is a reminder of my privilege.

Once I finish, I'll go make my second glass of water for the day. “Make water?”

Yes. Hear me out. If you haven’t heard of Celtic salt, now you have. It’s a natural source of electrolytes which maintains hydration. I add a pinch or two to an 8 oz mason jar. Then, I’ll add either the juice of 1 lemon or my ginger-lemon elixir. I’ll add some ice then regular water over. Mix it up, and voila! A tasty, easy-to- drink hydrating cup of Joe (what should we call a cup of water? Joey?). Anyway, I stress hydration because becoming dehydrated during a workout, especially if outdoors, is a real concern in the summertime in southern California. Stay hydrated, stay well! lifter, yogi, or a pilates girly, incorporating movement in your dayto-day is an incredible way to practice wellness. You learn so much about yourself through the process. I know it can be hard, and at times, you will want to give up because you aren’t seeing visible, physical changes. But!

Okay, we’ve covered the most important part of Motion for the summertime. Now, what kind of exercises should you try this season? Personally, I enjoy early-morning runs. I find it sets up my day for success, and there is always a specific scent outdoors in the summer early mornings that I can’t get enough of. If you don’t enjoy running, try a walk! Walking is exercise. Just because you aren’t doing a strenuous activity does not mean you aren’t working out. Don’t be misled. You are moving. You are grooving. And that’s all that matters! The point is that moving in the morning, however long it may be, can do wonders for your day.

I f you are a gym-goer, and enjoy that, stick to it! Going to the gym, specifically in the summer, is a great way to squeeze a workout in and beat-the-heat. Don’t feel as if you need to always exercise outside because it’s “nice” out.

There will be plenty more summer days to come.

Give yourself grace and be patient. We often look for immediate gratification in many aspects of life, specifically with exercise. The thing is, exercise in and of itself is a marathon. You aren’t sprinting to a finish. Well, you aren’t running towards a finish at all, because there isn’t one! Once you hit your goal(s), you set new ones. After a while, exercise will become not something you do for aesthetics, but for mental clarity sanity.

Whether you’re a runner,

It is your perseverance that will shine at the end of the day then any physical goal you set for yourself. It is your mental strength, discipline, and determination to stick to a goal and reach it. If you are worried about showing off your body this summer, I am here to remind you that you are doing the best you can with all that you have going on in your life. So, in circling back to “giving yourself grace,” remember your journey is specific to you. Be kind to yourself. Love yourself. There is only one of you in this world, and that is something to celebrate. Take