Are You Ready For Summer?
Ah, summer is almost here! Are you as excited as I am? I was made for sunny days! It’s been a long cold winter for many of us Central New Yorkers and I know most of you are more than ready to get out your shorts, sandals and tank tops!
Whether you like to play a few games of beach volleyball, canoe, kayak, go for long walks, hike, or play golf, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone to enjoy!
We can now look forward to longer days, warmer weather and the soothing sound of the crickets chirping away as we fall asleep at night. This is the best time of year to get outside and take advantage of the weather. Whether you like to play a few games of beach volleyball, canoe, kayak, go for long walks, hike, or play golf, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone to enjoy!
Though summer is one of our favorite seasons, it comes with its fair share of challenges. When the temperature starts to climb we have no choice but to take off a few layers and for some of us, baring our flesh to the world is not something we look forward to!
Now, let’s be honest with ourselves. Many of us have more than a few pounds to shed before we hit the beach. Do you wish you had started using that gym membership sooner? Do you wait until the last minute to do something about it every year? Are you feeling like you don’t know where to begin?
You can still take summer on by storm this year! You just need to make
the decision to do something about it now! Here are a few tips to help you
get started.
Stay Motivated
Many people really struggle to stay motivated. By motivated, I mean motivated to do anything that requires movement. This includes getting out of bed, off the couch, doing yard work, going to work, or doing any kind of physical activity. What motivates you? Whether it is an old photo of you when you looked your best or a picture of a bathing suit you want to wear this summer; you need to find something that is a constant reminder of the fitness goals you are trying to achieve.
Eat a Healthier Diet
A healthy diet is important for staying healthy and fit no matter what time of year it is. Let’s stop kidding ourselves! We can all do better when it comes to what we are shoveling into our mouths every day. It’s no surprise that one out of every four adults are obese. The motto thirty percent gym, seventy percent diet hits the nail right on the head. Ab’s are made in the kitchen, not in the gym.
Stay Hydrated
We all tend to drink less than we should, which can make us feel hungry when we’re actually thirsty. Stick with water or herbal tea and avoid carbonated drinks. Some studies report that herbal teas (like green tea) can even help you lose a few pounds.
We all tend to drink less than we should, which can make us feel hungry when we’re actually thirsty. Stick with water or herbal tea and avoid carbonated drinks.
Have a Plan
There are a lot of people who just can’t get the eating right thing down. Trust me, you’re not alone! I’m not going to lie; it’s the hardest part. Either we eat too much of the wrong thing or we don’t eat enough (which throws the body into starvation mode and slows down the metabolism). If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It’s that simple. So if you want to reach your fitness goals successfully, you need to create a plan that you can stick with and follow every day. Try using an app such as MyFitnessPal. Studies have shown that people who keep a journal (especially a food journal) are more successful at losing weight and keeping it off than those who do not.
Have a Contest
Team up with a group of friends or co-workers who also want to get in shape for summer and have a friendly contest. Have each person throw in ten or twenty dollars, since money is always a great incentive to lose a few pounds. Pick a day each week where everyone can weigh in, and after a few months (or however long your group decides); the participant with the greatest percentage of weight loss will be awarded the prize money.
Don’t Waste Any More Time
Don’t waste any more time sitting around hemming and hawing about what you should do. Get started today! Incorporate two to three days a week of strength training and three to five days a week of cardio into your routine. Don’t know what you’re doing? Look into purchasing a few sessions with a personal trainer. Personal trainers are experts in the fields of fitness and weight loss and they are your go to when you are looking for assistance with your exercise routine. Not only will a personal trainer design a customized program specific for your goals, he or she will help you get maximum results in a minimal amount of time.
Make It a Habit
Don’t waste any more time sitting around hemming and hawing about what you should do. Get started today!
Blow the layer of dust off your swipe card and use that gym membership you’re paying for! If you go three to four times a week consistently all year long, you won’t have to feel like you’re chasing your tail come spring and summer!
In Conclusion:
You don’t have to be the crash dieter, the two workouts a day slave to the gym, or the shun carbs forever advocate to get the body you want! If you make an honest effort to make healthy food choices and stay active all year round you will be one step ahead of everyone else when the warm weather rolls around.
There is still time to make your summer a success. You just need to be willing to make the commitment to do what it takes to get there. Remember you’re worth it. Have a happy, healthy and sensational summer!
