For some, getting their summer body ready doesn’t rhyme with towels on the beach and sunbathing. Forget about the quest for a flat stomach just for the sake of others’ gazes: these travelers get in shape for adventure, hiking, or exploring cities. Their goal? A strong, enduring body capable of keeping up with their dynamic holiday pace – far from the clichés of a summer body to flaunt on the sand.
As summer approaches and away from simply wanting to show off their abs on the sand or soak up the sun, more and more travelers prepare their bodies for another purpose: to fully experience their holidays, where adventure awaits. In this article, discover how these outdoor enthusiasts sculpt their “summer body” not to be seen, but to walk, climb, hike, or explore – in short, to savor every moment away from the dictates of perfect tanning. Through their testimonies, we move away from the cliché of the “beach body” to reinvent summer well-being, far from tanning booths and crash diets.
Goodbye bikini, hello energy!
For some, preparing their body for summer is no longer about wanting to shine on the secret beaches of France or the fantasy of an even tan. Those who choose mountains, cities, or forests, swap the sunscreen tube for a good dose of cardio, muscle strengthening, and mental preparation. The goal is no longer to fit into the mold of a “summer body,” but to tackle steep passes, canoeing, or walking without faltering, from Japanese alleys to the legendary French trails (top 5 must-do hikes in France). For many, the freedom to move takes precedence over appearance.
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The body, an adventure ally
Faced with the dictate of thinness and perfect tanning, some travelers choose to see their bodies differently: as a precious ally for taking on the challenges that summer holds for them. Like Juliette, who prefers backpacks to beach bags, or Hugo, for whom strength is much better maintained by the campfire than by the turquoise waters (Baja California: a place for discovery and adventure, far from appearances!). For them, abs mean autonomy, squats mean endurance, and less means “likes” on Instagram. The real reward? A “ready-to-use” body, for all summer playgrounds.
Hiking, exploring, climbing: preparation, a guarantee of freedom
Seriously preparing one’s body before active vacations has become a trend. Whether it’s a road trip in Andalusia, sporty camping, or a city getaway like a marathon, each destination has its demands. Soraya packs her workout sessions to tackle alpine trails, while Paul trains to walk miles to traverse Tokyo from north to south, with properly fitted shoes and steel calves. Far from the obsession with silhouette, it’s quite about having a reliable and solid body: the ultimate passport to turn every destination into an unlimited playground.
Reinventing the “summer body”: less aesthetics, more authenticity
The notion of summer body is evolving and, with it, our relationship to summer effort. No longer is it about chasing the gaze of others, but rather one’s own sensations. In the city, in the forest, or on the mountain, preparing is no longer about seeking outer perfection but gaining confidence – walking confidently near the ramparts of Saint-Malo (to discover the hidden secrets of Saint-Malo), dancing in nature, or simply breathing deeply. This new ideal brings freedom: a strong body to reconnect with oneself and live each moment intensely, even if it means permanently forgetting seasonal injunctions.
Towards vacations in harmony with oneself
Today, the real challenge is no longer having a body to flaunt, but a body that allows one to experience everything from sunrise to sunset. Preparing for summer means making each day a tailor-made adventure, without pressure or guilt – whether scaling the Alps, camping under the stars, or strolling through the bustling streets of Tokyo. The energy spent sculpting one’s body aims no longer at crowded beachfronts, but at the finish line of a trail, the summit of a hike, or the discovery of secret and wild beaches, known only to the initiated. Each summer is personal, each body is unique: to explore, to feel, and above all, to savor.
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