When summer arrives, athletes tend to slack off a little. Whether in high school or college, school athletes tend to not be pushed as hard in the summer, when classes are out of session and coaches are back at home.

Experts recommend that athletes continue to work hard so they won’t get weak or lose skills during the summer. Dancers often gain weight, get out of shape or even forget choreography they learned in classes. Skaters aren’t on the ice, so they don’t sharpen any skills, and may also lose some of them. Wrestlers don’t practice their moves as often and basketball players may not be hitting the net, or the hope, in warm months.

Personal trainers recommend that athletes do a little cross training. That means picking up a new sport, active hobby or new game, that can keep them in shape while using the same skills – such as hand, eye coordination or endurance. Playing a summertime sport can benefit athletes because they will have access to a coach who will push them to get better, unlike working out alone. Try signing up for a local baseball league or soccer team.

Many gyms also offer camps and programs for athletes to stay in shape. Across the nation, the YMCA offers summertime-only memberships with a focus on staying fit. Consider getting into the act of cross training by taking up a new sport to stay active this summer and wow the coaches and teammates next year when your season is up.