The Real Reason I Take a Break from Rec Classes Each Summer

Every summer, I take a break from recreational classes—and I want to share why.

This isn’t just about needing time off. It’s about running a one-woman program with intention and making sure both the athletes and I stay healthy and inspired.

Summer gives me a chance to focus on more hands-on training with my artistic athletes. This is when we work through mental blocks, fine-tune tough skills, and build momentum before the season starts back up. That focused time matters and it’s something I really care about.

It’s also about balance. Burnout is real (especially for solo business owners). Research shows that rest and recovery improve long-term performance, energy, and overall well-being (Maslach & Leiter, 2016). I take this time to recharge, spend time with my family, be outside, and come back in the fall ready to give 100% again.

And for the kids, breaks are healthy too. Studies show that time away from structured learning and more time in nature or unstructured play boosts creativity, emotional growth, and resilience (Ginsburg, 2007; Gray, 2013). When kids return after summer, they’re often more motivated and ready to learn.

That said, I don’t disappear over the summer. I’ll still be offering:
• At-home workouts and reminders to keep practicing via email
• And possibly a few morning tumbling + play classes for ages 4–6 and 7–9 if there’s interest!
Interested? Let me know!

I appreciate all of you who continue to support this small but mighty program. Taking a break doesn’t mean stopping, it means making space to grow!

Love and light,
Coach Stef