School’s out for summer—but your wellness goals don’t take a vacation! With long, hot days and no set schedule, it’s easy to let your fitness routine slip. This summer, we’re here at BeFitSRQ to help you stay on track—and even make it fun. Whether you’re squeezing in quick workouts during pool breaks or getting active with your kids, now’s the perfect time to turn fitness into a family tradition. Let’s make this summer the season of real, sustainable change… not just crash diets and fad workouts!

Movement of the Month: Get your sweat on with the whole family

We all know that movement is good for the body and soul, but did you know that movement outdoors is even better for your health? That’s right- even on those muggy summer days, it can benefit your health to get outside and move your body, even if it’s just for a short while.

Here are a few fun outdoor movement ideas (that you can incorporate into your family’s summer routine this year!)

• Bike Around the Neighborhood: Cycling is a great way to stay fit and enjoy family time. Explore your neighborhood or local trails and let your kids help choose the route. Don’t forget helmets for safety!

• Visit the Zoo: A trip to the zoo can rack up thousands of steps while keeping everyone entertained. Use a map to plan which animals and exhibits to see—it’s educational and active fun for all ages.

• Hit the Playground: Try local playgrounds or outdoor obstacle courses, many inspired by shows like American Ninja Warrior. Turn it into a friendly competition—kids vs. parents—with a fun prize like ice cream.

• Join a Family Fitness Class: Check with your city, local Y, or community centers for outdoor family workouts, often free or low-cost. It’s a great way to get moving together.

• Plan an Active Barbecue: Add games like beanbag toss, Frisbee, kickball, or volleyball to your next BBQ. It’s a fun way to stay active while enjoying summer food.

• Do Outdoor Chores: Yardwork like gardening, mowing, or raking doubles as a full-body workout. Get the kids involved for extra help and movement.

• Head to the Pool or Beach: Swimming and water games are excellent low-impact workouts. If anyone needs to learn, consider affordable lessons at the local YMCA.

• Walk the Beach or Boardwalk: Beach walks are not only relaxing—they’re a great workout. Walking on sand burns more calories and may help strengthen your feet.

• Try Pickleball: This fast-growing sport is fun, easy to learn, and a great cardio workout. Look for local courts or classes at your Y or through the USA Pickleball website.

• Take an Evening Walk: Avoid the heat by walking after dinner. It’s a relaxing way to wind down while getting in your steps and enjoying summer evenings.

Bottom line: Outdoor activities are great for physical health, mental well-being, and family bonding. From zoo trips to beach days, there are countless ways to stay active—and have fun—together this summer! Check out a helpful article all about these methods for getting active and out of the house here.

Fresh & Tasty Summer Meals for the Whole Family

I’ve discovered some delicious recipes for you this month! I’m already dying to make this delicious looking lemon broccoli pasta and I know the fried fried chicken salad is going to be a fan favorite at your next barbecue or family cookout!

If pasta or chicken salad aren’t your speed (WHY though?) I’ve got an entire list of delicious summer recipes for you to check out! Browse through them now here.

One-Pot Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces whole-wheat rotini or farfalle pasta
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed and coarsely chopped
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice, or more to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add shallot and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add pasta, water, broth, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil.
5. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
6. Add broccoli and cook, stirring, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and lemon juice.

Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk, divided
• 1 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground pepper, divided
• ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 pound chicken tenders, halved crosswise
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives and/or dill
• ¾ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup fine cornmeal
• ¼ cup peanut oil
• 2 heads butter lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
• 1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 large ears)

Directions

1. Combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon each garlic powder and pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow dish. Add chicken, turn to coat and let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk mayonnaise and chives (and/or dill) in a small bowl with the remaining 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, pepper and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine breadcrumbs and cornmeal in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. (Discard the marinade.)
4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook until browned on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, turn the chicken and cook until browned and an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F, 5 to 7 minutes more.
5. Divide lettuce, tomatoes, corn and the chicken among 4 large plates and drizzle with the reserved dressing.

MICHELE’S PRODUCT PICKS OF THE MONTH

Fresh & Feisty Diffuser Blends for Summer

Are you someone who LOVES to have a sweet smelling home? The type of home that smells as though people actually DON’T live there? Then you’ll love these fragrant diffuser blends from doTERRA!

The Perfect Beach Blanket

Planning a beach excursion with the family this summer? I’ve got the perfect beach blanket recommendation for you! Not only is it lightweight and available in a variety of colors, it can be worn by both women and men as a wrap to protect your skin from the sun! Use it as a sarong, baby wrap, beach scarf, swim wrap, or stroller cover… this one-stop shop of a product truly does it all. Grab yours the next time you’re at the studio!

HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat

The Pro Mat combines two advanced recovery technologies—Infrared Therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF)—to provide a powerful at-home solution for boosting natural energy, enhancing recovery, and promoting deep relaxation.

The Go Mat provides the same incredible benefits as the Pro Mat in a smaller, more compact package, perfect for travel or busy days!

DRUG-FREE Alternatives to Reducing Arthritis Pain

The pain caused by arthritis can be debilitating, and if you’ve ever suffered from this condition, you know how tempting it can be to pop Advil like candy to try and forget for 5 minutes how stiff and sore your joints feel. The problem? Constant use of over-the-counter pain medication can have adverse effects, and you deserve a solution that will last!

Luckily, you’re not alone, and I’ve discovered a drug-free remedy for arthritis pain that’s highly effective and noninvasive!

*drumroll please*

It’s Laser Therapy from our friends over at Lightforce Medical! To learn more about how they can help you with your arthritis pain, click here.

Local Happenings This Month

Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum for Summer 2025, bringing electrifying music, mind-blowing visuals, and epic shows featuring icons like Michael Jackson, Queen, Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, and more—every Thursday through Saturday, May 23 to August 30!

The free Kids’ Summer Beach Runs, presented by Sarasota County Parks and New Balance of Sarasota, return June 3–July 30 at Siesta Beach (948 Beach Road, Siesta Key) on Tuesdays and North Brohard Park (1400 S. Harbor Drive, Venice) on Wednesdays, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the one-mile runs starting at 6:30 p.m.—a fun and healthy way for families to stay active together and earn prizes all summer long!

Free Outdoor Pilates Mat Classes will be hosted by Club Pilates on June 5, 2025, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. at the Playground and Event Pavilion at Nathan Benderson Park, perfect for ages 15+ and all fitness levels—just bring your mat and water, no registration required!

That’s all this month, friend! I hope the beginning of summer has been treating you and your loved ones well and that something in this newsletter inspired you to get outside, get moving, or get cooking some healthy meals with those who matter most to you.

Warmly,
Michele