It’s Time to Shape Up for Summer!
The warmer weather is upon us and we all know what that means; summer is right around the corner and it’s time to bust out the bikinis! The hot weather and bikini season means that the gyms will soon be filling up with scores of women looking to shape up for summer.
Call your personal trainer and get your registered dietitian on speed dial because the summer sun is coming quick. If you’re looking for a summer shape up, then consider these tips for the easiest ways to get in shape for summer!
Getting in Shape for Summer
If you’re looking for how to get in shape for summer, here are our tips on how to get the perfect beach body:
1. Start moving! If you find yourself saying, “I want to get in shape,” then you need to start exercising right away. The best way to get in shape quickly is to begin to move your body. Exercising burns calories which can help you drop unwanted pounds. Aim to fit in at least 30-45 minutes of exercise each and every day. Whether you hit the gym for a kick boxing class or go out for a run, find an activity that you actually enjoy and you’ll be more inclined to stick with it.
No gym membership? No problem! You can get in shape at home by using exercise DVD’s or doing your own routine in the comfort of your living room. If you’re wondering how to get beach body ready this year, the answer lies in exercise!
2. Clean your plate! Now, this isn’t an invitation to eat plate fulls of food, but rather to clean up your plate and rid it of the bad foods. Begin filling your plate with healthy items. Getting in shape for the summer starts with exercise, but is determined by food choices.
While there are many diets for summer floating around, the best diet plan is one that focuses on consuming mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Reducing the amount of sugar and fat in your diet will also be important in helping you get into shape for summer.
It’s time to kick donuts, cake and cookies out of the house and welcome the good-for-you foods that will help you attain your goals.
3. Hit the hay! Getting adequate sleep may not seem like it would effect your efforts to get in shape by summer, but it actually plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy body weight. Lack of sleep not only effects the way you perform and how you feel during the day, but can also halt your weight loss efforts.
Aim to get about 7-8 hours of sleep every night to truly reap the benefits of rejuvenating sleep.
4. Call a friend! If you need motivation to get in shape, then consider enlisting the help of a friend. Getting to the gym is always easier when you know that you have a friend there waiting for you. When you feel like your motivation is dwindling and you want to throw in the towel, having a friend who has the same goals as you can really help keep you on track.
If you don’t have a friend or relative that wants to get into shape with you, then you can always go online and join online weight loss forums. The forums will contain advice, tips and support for you as you make an effort to get healthier!
5. Grab a pen and paper! Keeping a food and exercise journal can be an extremely helpful tool as you get in shape for the summer. Writing down everything you eat, drink and do for exercise will give you a clear and concise picture of where you’re at and any changes you need to make.
Writing down those three doughnuts you ate for breakfast on Sunday morning and seeing it on paper is a great way to stay in shape and help you tweak your diet and caloric intake to reach your goals.