Living in Houston means you’ve experienced it all—blazing heat, sudden downpours, and those dreamy cooler months that make you want to spend every minute outside.
But guess what? Houston’s ever-changing climate can actually be a secret weapon when it comes to your fitness goals while trying to lose weight. Let’s explore how the different seasons in Houston impact your fitness and diet, and give you easy, practical tips for staying active and hydrated—no matter the weather!
Summer Heat: Sweating Through the Sizzle
If you’ve been in Houston during the summer, you know it’s hot. We’re talking highs over 90°F and humidity so thick you could swim through it. For anyone, this kind of weather can feel like a fitness buzzkill. And if you’re on our GLP Elite™ program, your GLP-1 medication can sometimes make you feel less thirsty, which makes staying hydrated becomes even more important.
How the Heat Impacts Your Weight Loss: Houston’s hot and sticky summers might make outdoor workouts feel like a no-go, but here’s the good news: the heat doesn’t have to slow you down. On the contrary, it’s the perfect excuse to switch things up. While your GLP-1 medication is helping to reduce your appetite and regulate your body, staying active is key to keeping that fat-burning momentum going.
What You Can Do:
- Time It Right: The key to surviving summer workouts? Timing. Early mornings and late evenings are your golden hours. Cooler temps will make that run, walk, or bike ride feel way more bearable.
- Get Inside with AC: Houston has no shortage of gyms, yoga studios, and indoor pools. Why not sign up for a new class or treat yourself to a gym membership to enjoy air-conditioned workouts?
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Since GLP-1 medications can affect your body’s hydration, carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go, and throw in some refreshing, hydrating foods like cucumbers.
Stormy Weather: Making the Most of Houston’s Rainy Days
Houston is no stranger to a rainy day (or five). While these rainy spells can be unpredictable, they don’t have to rain on your weight loss parade. Rainy weather actually makes for a cozy, indoor workout. Plus, it’s the perfect time to get creative with your exercise routine.
How the Rain Impacts Your Weight Loss: Sudden rain showers might seem like a recipe for skipping workouts, but they can actually work to your advantage. Staying indoors means you can be in the AC and focus on strength training, yoga, or any kind of bodyweight exercise that doesn’t require you to step outside.
What You Can Do:
- Quick HIIT Circuit: Maximize your time with a 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session in your living room. Alternate between jumping jacks, squats, and mountain climbers for quick, effective bursts of movement. It’s a fast way to boost your mood and burn calories.
- Virtual Fitness Class: Join a virtual Zumba, yoga, or kickboxing class from the comfort of your home. With so many options online, you can pick something that matches your energy level and fitness goals—perfect for staying motivated and having fun.
- Living Room Pilates: No equipment? No problem. Try a 20-minute Pilates session to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and tone up—all from your living room floor. It’s a low-impact way to feel accomplished and fit.
- Fitness App Challenge: Compete against friends or track your progress with a fitness app that guides you through bodyweight exercises or yoga routines. These challenges keep you engaged and help you stay consistent.
- Strength Training with Household Items: Use everyday objects like water bottles, books, or even laundry detergent as weights for a quick indoor strength workout. It’s an easy, accessible way to build muscle and keep moving without fancy equipment.
Cool Weather: It’s Time to Get Outside
Fall and winter in Houston are downright dreamy for outdoor activities. The cooler temps mean you can lace up your sneakers and hit the trails, parks, or sidewalks without sweating buckets (okay, maybe just a little sweat). And with the holidays around the corner, it’s also a great time to stay mindful of comfort food cravings and keep your healthy eating on track.
How Cooler Weather Impacts Your Weight Loss: Lower temps can sometimes trick your body into craving those cozy, carb-heavy meals. And while GLP-1 medications help curb those hunger signals, you might still find yourself tempted by some rich, calorie-dense comfort foods. But guess what? The cooler months also bring a ton of opportunities to move your body outside without the heat dragging you down.
What You Can Do:
- Explore the Outdoors: Take full advantage of Houston’s awesome parks like Memorial Park or Buffalo Bayou. Walking, jogging, or biking outdoors will feel like a breeze compared to those steamy summer months.
- Healthy Comfort Foods: When you’re craving something warm and comforting, opt for healthy soups and stews packed with veggies and lean proteins. You’ll stay cozy and full without derailing your progress.
- Set Fun, Seasonal Fitness Goals: Why not sign up for a holiday fun run or set a goal to walk so many steps outside per day? The cool weather is your chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Hydration: The Year-Round Game-Changer
No matter the season, hydration is key—especially if you’re on weight loss medications, which can sometimes reduce your natural thirst cues. Staying well-hydrated not only boosts your energy but also supports your digestion, helps with weight loss, and keeps your skin glowing (bonus!).
What You Can Do:
- Always Carry Water: Keep a water bottle handy at all times. You can even set reminders on your phone to ensure you’re sipping throughout the day.
- Spice It Up: If plain water isn’t exciting enough, try adding fresh fruit slices, mint, or a splash of lemon or lime to make it more refreshing.
- Hydrating Foods: Water-rich foods like oranges, lettuce, and berries are easy ways to sneak in some extra hydration.
Embrace Houston’s Weather and Own Your Weight Loss Journey
Houston’s weather may throw you a curveball now and then, but with a little creativity and flexibility, you can turn it into an advantage. Whether it’s adjusting your workout times to avoid the heat, embracing indoor exercises during rainstorms, or staying active in the cooler months, there’s always a way to keep moving forward.
Remember, the GLP Elite™ program and your GLP-1 medication are working hard to support your weight loss goals, and by pairing them with a few weather-smart strategies, you’ll be unstoppable. So, grab your water bottle, lace up those sneakers, and get ready to achieve your goals—rain or shine!
Houston is the ideal city to help achieve your goals. Book an appointment today to take the first step in your health journey.
As an alternative to medically approved branded products, where appropriate, a provider may prescribe a compounded drug, which is prepared by a state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy. Although compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, they are not medically approved.
