The Insiders’ Guide To Maintaining Your Fitness Routine This Summer

The glorious warmth of summer is often enough to spark the motivation to work out – outdoor running trails, yoga in the park and tennis on the lawn all go up in appeal when the rain is subdued. And it understandably comes with plenty of benefits: ‘Physical movement is arguably the most powerful intervention we have for longevity,’ says Dr. Dorsa Jalaei, Preventative Health Consultant at Reborne Longevity. ‘It upregulates mitochondrial biogenesis, supports telomere integrity, reduces systemic inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and sustains muscle mass, which is one of the strongest predictors of health span in later life.’ And, lucky for us in London, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exercise options.

Sisterly Tribe

‘There is no better city in the sun than London,’ says classical Pilates instructor and founder of SR Pilates, Sophie-Rose Harper, who mentions ‘al fresco dinners, pubs packed with happy people, and cycling home at sunset’ as some of her favourite activities once the summer months come around.

For Lauren van der Westhuizen, founder of the newly-launched House of Racquet padel club, mixing business with pleasure has become a whole lot easier too: ‘I’m secretly thrilled that my “office” now includes the sunny House of Racquet terrace for a summer of al fresco working.’

Amateur show jumper and yard manager Georgina Springall has similar work-life balance benefits, especially as her role has now expanded to managing the yard at the new Richmond Park Polo Club. ‘It’s so nice when the horses’ summer coats come through and there’s a golden glow in the evenings. When it gets very hot, I love early morning rides in Richmond Park when we have the park all to ourselves,’ she says.

Whether it’s cardio busting on horseback or scouring the city for the best fuel-boosting dishes, we’ve asked four fitness insiders for their tips on how to have a healthy and active summer.

The Expert Guide To Summer Fitness

Sophie-Rose Harper

Sophie-Rose Harper

Sophie-Rose Harper (@sophierosepilates) is a classical Pilates instructor and founder of SR Pilates, an exclusive boutique studio in Notting Hill.

What are some of your favourite ways to stay fit and keep your body moving in the summer? I love running through Dulwich Park, swimming at Herne Hill Lido, and taking yoga classes at Love Supreme, where the sun filters through so perfectly. And of course, there’s nothing better than self-practice at my Pilates studio, SR Pilates, just off Golborne Road.

What do you look for in an activewear brand and can you share some of your favourites? Because I basically live in athleisure, there are three things I always look for: comfort, something that looks slick, and pieces I can layer easily. I love Rains for their waterproof tracksuits, Vuori for the softest wide-leg trousers, and I’ve been wearing Prism for years and years as their one-size tank tops just fit so well in every style. I love a lightweight semi-sheer cashmere long sleeve from Intimissimi – so easy to wear under or over a tee. I’m also very into slouchy socks – I’m over these tight socks sucking the life out of my ankles – Uniqlo does such good slouchy ones in neutral colours.

How do you wind down after a day out in the sun? I shower of course, make myself a Botivo spritz, pop on a podcast – I’m especially loving Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud, her voice is the ultimate wind down.

Do you have any go-to restaurants (and what do you order) when you’re craving a healthy meal? I’m very into small plates so you get a little bit of everything. Acre on Golborne Road does such a good lunch, Towpath Café in East London is one of my favourite brunch spots with the best produce, and I love Norbert’s in Dulwich for rotisserie chicken. You can go for the salad if you don’t fancy the chips.

And when having a night in, any favourite recipes for whipping up something tasty and nutritious? I’m a bit of a rubbish cook but my husband rustles up a mean prawn and tomato pasta. He massages the tomatoes into the sauce pan, sprinkles parmesan throughout, tops them with a delicious olive oil and fresh basil from the garden. You can really taste the love he puts into his food.

What’s your favourite destination for an active holiday? I love Portugal for the hikes, the surfing, and the laid-back energy. Especially Odeceixe in the Algarve. We stay at a very special little B&B called Amaria, where owner Phoebe Arnold is often in the kitchen making the most wonderful food. There’s a sauna overlooking the ocean, gardens overflowing with colour, and a feeling that makes you instantly slow down. It’s our happy place.

Lauren van der Westhuizen

Lauren van der Westhuizen

From a career in corporate law and big tech, Lauren van der Westhuizen (@lauren.vdw) pivoted into entrepreneurship 2025 and is now the CEO and founder of House of Racquet. Lauren is also a partner at CMG Sports.

What are some of your favourite ways to stay fit and keep your body moving in the summer? Running outdoors and padel, naturally! Both double as really fun ways to catch up with friends. I plan holidays around movement in some form or another, whether it’s hiking routes, Pilates studios, or proximity to a padel club.

What do you look for in an activewear brand and can you share some of your favourites? I need things to be comfortable, flattering, and genuinely practical, which, in padel terms, means a skirt or shorts – with actual pockets for balls – and leggings that stay put when on a run. I’ve been loving OneBounce lately, which is a padel activewear brand founded by a Spanish padel coach who got fed up with the same lack of practical options the rest of us had. Tala by Grace Beverley and Nike are staples too.

How do you wind down after a day out in the sun? I’m equally happy at a long, rambling alfresco dinner sipping a margarita with friends as I am getting to bed early with my red light mask on and a good book. Balance!

Do you have any go-to restaurants (and what do you order) when you’re craving a healthy meal? Holy Carrot in Notting Hill – the smoked carrot and coal-roasted leeks are delicious. Fonda is another favourite – I always go for the wild mushroom tacos – and when I’m on the go, a Golden Glow smoothie from Elevate.

And when having a night in, any favourite recipes for whipping up something tasty and nutritious? Summer rolls are my go-to and are fun to make with a group. I’ll use whatever veg is in the fridge and add tempeh, then pair everything with a homemade pineapple and coriander salsa or a satay dipping sauce. Most of my inspiration comes from an eclectic cookbook collection I’ve built up over the years spent in Indonesia, Cape Town and California.

What’s your favourite destination for an active holiday? Indonesia or Cape Town. Both have this incredible energy around being outdoors and moving. You can roll out of bed and join a run club or padel session. I love that you can be spontaneous about it but always know there will be some form of activity to join.

Kristin Hars

Kristin Hars

After over 20 years in the fashion industry, Kristin Hars (@kristinhars) is now CEO and Founder of Swedish wellness and activewear brand Sisterly Tribe.

What are some of your favourite ways to stay fit and keep your body moving in the summer? I love spending time outdoors, whether that’s going for a walk, a run by the sea, or swimming. Nature always has a calming and uplifting effect on me. I also love waking up before the rest of my family to do a short Pilates or yoga practice, followed by a swim and breakfast together. It’s such a simple ritual, but it really sets the tone for the day.

What do you look for in an activewear brand and can you share some of your favourites? For me, it always starts with the fabric and fit. I want activewear to feel soft, comfortable, and supportive, while still looking elevated and timeless. I’m drawn to pieces that move effortlessly between workouts and everyday life. Naturally, I wear a lot of Sisterly Tribe, and I always design our pieces with this in mind.

How do you wind down after a day out in the sun? I love putting on the barbecue, having a glass of wine, and enjoying a long dinner outside with my family.

Do you have any go-to restaurants (and what do you order) when you’re craving a healthy meal? In Gothenburg, I really like Beets for simple, fresh and healthy food. During summer though, we spend most of our time in the countryside, cooking at home with fresh seasonal produce and eating outside as much as possible.

And when having a night in, any favourite recipes for whipping up something tasty and nutritious? I love making simple summer salads with grilled chicken, watermelon, fresh strawberries, feta cheese and fresh mint. Very simple, but so good during summer. Living on the west coast of Sweden, fresh prawns with bread, lemon, and aioli are also a favourite.

Georgina Springall

Georgina Springall

Georgina Springall (@the_richmond_rider) is an amateur show jumper and yard manager for Holly Lodge, Petersham Farm Stables, and Richmond Park Polo Club.

What are some of your favourite ways to stay fit and keep your body moving in the summer? I do a lot of strength and conditioning work to help my riding and rebalance my body from the yard work. I also run and absolutely love an outdoor salsa event!

What do you look for in an activewear brand and can you share some of your favourites? For the gym and running, ABYL is a firm favourite. For general riding, you can’t go wrong with Ariat as a whole. I look for brands that are robust to keep up with the daily stable life but also have a complimenting fit. With the polo season underway, Casablanca whites are a must have.

How do you wind down after a day out in the sun? Finding a spot by Richmond riverside and seeing the sun going down with friends honestly makes the day complete. A cheeky glass of Chateau la Coste rosé is sometimes had to celebrate the end of a hard day—luckily there’s always some in the tack room fridge as they are our official polo partners.

Do you have any go-to restaurants (and what do you order) when you’re craving a healthy meal? The Bingham Riverhouse is our polo clubhouse and they have the most delicious meals. They’re B Corp certified, so everything is locally-sourced, healthy, and balanced. Chef Vanessa Marx does this amazing wild garlic and nettle gnocchi.

And when having a night in, any favourite recipes for whipping up something tasty and nutritious? I keep it simple with some low-fat mince, onions, peppers, and green beans in tomato sauce. No pasta.

What’s your favourite destination for an active holiday? Active holidays for me usually involve riding or rock climbing. Farm life in Argentina catching in the ponies and riding out for the day, whether it be polo practice or herding cattle, will always remain high on my favourites list. For rock climbing, Catalonia remains the best for me, but if staying in the UK, Portland is absolutely beautiful.