Even the most committed gym goers would agree that once the patio weather rolls around, it becomes harder to stick to the regular work out regime.

It turns out that beer and fitness really do go hand-in-hand and just like with many things in life, it’s all about the balance. So here are some tips and ideas from us the Good Beer Folks on how to make your summer an active one with a cold one in your hand!

Greg Taylor, Steam Whistle co-founder talks fitness & beer in a recent Globe & Mail article and proves to us that you don’t have to cut out alcohol when living an active life. For Greg spinning, calisthenics and triathlons that include a 750-metre swim, 30-kilometre cycle and 7.5-kilometre run are all celebrated with a cold Steam Whistle.

Read the full article here

Attend these beer festivals this summer (after your work out):

• Thursday, July 28
  Hart House Craft Beer Festival, Toronto
• Thursday, August 04
  Queer Beer Festival, Toronto CNE grounds
• Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 7
  Toronto Festival of Beer, Toronto CNE grounds
• Saturday, August 13 - 14
  Conscious Food Festival, Fort York, Toronto
• Saturday, August 27
  Muskoka Beer Festival

We love helping you stay active this summer so we want to give you a Louis Garneau, Steam Whistle bike jersey (valued at $90). To enter, simply email your first & last name to marina@steamwhistle.ca by July 22nd.

Good luck!

Ride To Conquer Cancer Ontario took place on June 11 & 12 this year.

The 2011 Steam Whistle Ride to Conquer Cancer Team completed the 200km bike ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls raising $18,216 for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation! Whether you or someone you know has been affected by cancer, you will understand the amazing achievements of the Princess Margaret Hospital and how important this donation is for their continuous work.

As the exclusive beer sponsor fourth year in a row, Steam Whistle was also glad to quench the thirst of all the riders and their supporting with over 15, 000 beers served over the weekend!

For more info and how you can get involved, take a look at the official website.

What you had to say

We went to Twitter & Facebook to find out how you Good Beer Folks balance fitness & patio beers this summer:

@WalkerLucas
Try to only have the beers 1-2 a week, and drink something good like a Steam Whistle

@mistershore
My Monday nights consist of playing in a @TorontoSSC Ultimate Frisbee league followed by a cold one, a perfect pairing.

@erikerwin
I workout so I can drink beer and attempt to not get fat.

@trucanadianbeer
I balanced my beer enjoyment by biking across Canada at the same time

@Traddski
Hold a bottle in each hand, then alternate between them, strengthens arms.

Amy K from FaceBook - "Run in the morning, beers in the afternoon!"

Nick H-K from FaceBook - "Run to the patio"

Steve J from Facebook - "Hockey followed by beers ftw!!"