As the days get longer and the temperature gets warmer, we’re reminded that summer is on its way. That means that holiday season isn’t too far behind and with it comes the annual push to get fit for summer.
If you are heading off to the beach this summer for a couple of weeks of sun, sand and relaxation then you’ll probably want to be showing off a beach body and even if you aren’t jetting off to warmer climates, the summer will still mean less clothing will be worn which you’ll want to look good in.
Getting yourself into shape doesn’t have to be difficult and, believe it or not, can actually be fun. Here are five tips to follow to get yourself fit for the summer.
Set yourself goals beyond losing a certain amount of weight
No doubt you’ll have a target weight to reach or a certain number of pounds that you want to drop. A number on the scales is a good target to aim at, but don’t make it the be all and end all. Setting yourself other goals, such as entering one of America’s biggest 10k runs or hiking a difficult mountain trail gives you something other than losing weight to aim at and will help you stay motivated.
Focus on strength as well as cardio
Cardio exercises such as running will help you lose weight but don’t ignore the importance of strength training either. By improving the strength of your core muscles such as those in your legs or arms with a Chest And Biceps Workout, you’ll be improving your capacity to run further and harder, improving your ability to push hard at cardio. In addition, weight training will also help you tone your body.
Find a routine that works for you
Everybody is different and that means that what works for one person in terms of getting fit might not for another. You need to find the plan and routine that gives you the best results. Some people will prefer going to a gym while others will want to work out at home; some prefer to exercise at the same time every day in a regimented style while others like flexibility and going on a run when the mood suits them. There is no right or wrong way to go about it, so find a method that suits you and go with it.
Vary what you do so you don’t grow bored of it
One of the biggest threats to our enthusiasm when it comes to exercise is boredom. Doing the same activity every day can be monotonous and if we are bored by exercise, we’re far less likely to do it. Thankfully, there are so many classes offering different ways to get fit such as Zumba, spin and yoga that you’ve got a wealth of options to keep things fresh.
Keep an eye on your calories with a food journal
All that hard work you’ve put in exercising or in the gym will go to waste if you are then eating too much. It’s recommended that women don’t exceed 2,400 calories a day and men 3,000 calories a day and keeping a food journal in which you write down what food you’ve eaten each day and their calorie count is an excellent way to keep your calories in check.