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Give your “Summer Body” New Meaning

Spring is right around the corner. This is the time of year we start daydreaming of cool mountain lakes, desert climbing trips, and adventures deep into the backcountry. Occasionally, our daydreams turn to anxiety that stems from the idea of chasing down the unrealistic, yet idealized “summer body.” 

What is a "Summer Body?"

Let’s be really real here. A “summer body” is a made-up phrase to indicate that the human body should look a certain way during a specific time year. And generally, this phrase is associated with health practices that aren’t always in a body’s best interest – such as losing unnecessary weight or prioritizing diet over nutrition. 

The reality is that obtaining a “summer body” is unimportant, if not down-right unhealthy. The goals, hopes, and dreams you have for yourself should be year-round! Not just in preparation for summer. Of course, an all-year-body has nothing to do with appearance! That’s because the best version of your body is fostered by consistently treating yourself well and is based on how you feel, not how you look. 

Reframing the Term

We get it. Focusing on appearance is a strong motivator. But it can also be a slippery slope if that’s all you are focusing on. We propose a new way of thinking about your summer body. Re-focus on what you’re excited for this summer! Not only is it more fun, but it helps you identify your goals and understand how your body needs to feel to achieve those goals.

Reframing what it means to have a summer body begins with understanding your body’s unique needs, identifying a plan, then taking action to reach your goals.

It may be cliche to say this, but it’s what on the inside that matters, and it’s true. Here at The Front, we’re proponents of learning more about nutrition, taking time for mental health, and maintaining a consistent exercise routine. Plus, when you are here, you are welcome as you are, and when you leave, you’ll do so stronger EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Whether you call it a “summer body” or something else, your plans will likely begin with dedicating time for yourself to take action. Taking time to focus on health and wellness will re-inspire you to find and build your personalized (and unique) version of a healthy, happy body that is ready for some summer fun.

New Definitions

Earlier this month, we surveyed our staff members and asked them this question: “What does a summer body mean to you.”  They responded with a huge variety of goals, interpretations, and motivations! We hope you’ll take a moment to read through their responses. Hopefully they’ll help reframe some of the preconceived ideas held about what our bodies should be and put the old concept of a “summer body” to rest. 

Q: What does a "summer body" mean to/for you?

Front Staff Member
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"Having a summer body to me means accomplishing your climbing goals while eating as many local and seasonal foods as possible. Nothing like watermelon or local greens to keep the energy high while supporting our community of hard-working agriculturalists."

Front Staff Member
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"It means squatting 375"

Front Staff Member
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"For me, having a 'summer body' is not any different than my approach to my body throughout the remainder of the year. I approach the summer season with excitement for increased opportunities to explore outdoor recreation, instead of pressuring myself to look a certain way while I engage in those pursuits."

Front Staff Member
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"Not getting sun burnt because I'm a red head."

Front Staff Member
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"For me, having a 'summer body' means having the energy to fill up the longest days of the year with as many activities as possible! I love being able to run, hike, and climb all in one day in SLC. Having a summer body also means getting to eat all the refreshing delicious things that winter feels too cold for- like lots of watermelon and cucumbers!"

Front Staff Member
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"Having a summer body means that I can climb, swim, and bike all in a day!"
Front Staff Member
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"Accepting myself as I am, knowing my body can get me wherever I need to go."

Front Staff Member
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"To me, a summer body means first accepting my body where it is right now. Insight, resilience, money, flexibility, accomplishments, career, fitness, and climbing goals...all are impossible to embody, own, realize, and be satisfied with if I don't first realize and accept where I am now and how I got here."

Front Staff Member
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"A summer body means having a body that is one year older, and at 49, this age means I can still get there, but it takes a little longer. Because I was nowhere close to achieving my genetic and absolute ability as a younger climber, I am almost certain that my best climbing is yet to come, because I know how to better accept and make use of the skill, experience and potential my body has."

Front Staff Member
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"It means reaching your goals but also respecting when you need to rest!"

Front Staff Member
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"It means I should try more 5.12s this summer and get in "sport climbing" shape."

Front Staff Member
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"Being able to complete a century ride!"

Front Staff Member
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"To me, it used to mean exactly what the stereotype was which is the flat stomach and skinny look. But now as I'm getting older and I'm learning to love every part of myself (including that little extra stomach pudge) it really just means having a body that I can hike with, run with, and just be outdoors with in general. It doesn't matter what shape or size your body is, it matters that you love who you are."

Front Staff Member
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"Having a summer body, to me, means feeling good and being confident about what your body can do!"

Front Staff Member
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"Climbing the Grand Teton!"

Front Staff Member
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"To me having 'Summer Body' doesn't mean any one body type or physique; it's about having a body with all the wears and tears and repairs of days well spent... It's about counting the laugh lines you've earned that season -- not the calories you ate that evening. Besides, it's all just fuel for the next day's adventure anyway!"

Front Staff Member
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"To me my summer bod will explore the Wasatch in the summer for the first time! Peaks, Trad, and gettin' Sporty in the shade."

Front Staff Member
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"No overuse injuries since that keeps you from being active in any sport. Feeling and being fit."

Front Staff Member
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"Feeling good in your own skin and in your own mind! Being proud of who you are and all of the passions and hobbies that you have."

Front Staff Member
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"That my body feels rested, strong, healthy, and able."

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By Mia Caselli

Marketing Manager