Summer is just around the corner! Looking and feeling your best are goals that you hope to achieve by then. But where should you begin? You’ve been stuck indoors all winter, and you’ve put on a few extra pounds. Your skin has grown dull over the past months. Even your energy level is not where it should be! Never fear, though! You CAN be summer-ready, if you get to work now!
Get in Shape
If you’ve been a bit lazy all winter, get up and start moving! Exercise should be an important part of your daily life. If you need to shed a few pounds, regular exercise will help you get there.
If you don’t need to lose weight, exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your body flexible and toned. Through dedication and effort, you won’t be afraid to be seen in a swimsuit this summer. In fact, you may be dying to show off your sleek body!
Weekly workouts should consist of aerobic exercises, strength-training, and lots of stretching to promote long, lean muscles and improved flexibility. Find something you enjoy doing, such as walking or dancing, and you will be more likely to stick with it. In particular, with the advent of spring you can get out of the health club or off your exercise equipment and walk, run and bike outdoors.
As someone who reviews treadmills for a living, I look forward to getting outside for some fresh air and a change of scenery as I run. My dog appreciates even more.
Here are some suggestions to get you ready for that summer bod…
- Get yourself on an exercise regimen. Commit to regular workouts and stay with that commitment. No excuses are allowed.
- Find a friend to exercise with. When you make a commitment with a friend to exercise, it is harder to back out. It also makes exercising easier when you have someone to converse with.
- If possible, exercise in the morning, and get your workout out of the way. By exercising first thing in the morning you are less likely to have other obligation arise.
- If exercising in the morning is not an option, consider getting out at lunch time. By taking a walk during lunch you will burn calories, revive your energy and probably eat less for your mid-day meal.
- Exercise with goals in mind. The obvious goal for most is to lose weight, but also set distance and time goals. You will find a number of fitness apps on your smartphone or tablet that will allow you to track your results. Studies have shown that those who track their results are more likely to attain their goals.
- Besides getting a good cardio workout, do not forget your upper body. I personally have a home gym, but that is not an option for most people. To start get some hand weights and maybe a sit-up board. Also a stretch band can be inexpensive and effective in working your arms and chest. Remember, the goal is to have that total look for the summer.
Strive to Shine – Not Just In Summer
Remember the old saying, “You are what you eat?” There is a lot of truth in that saying. To be healthy inside and outside, a nutritious, balanced diet is of the utmost importance.
When you eat healthy, you are more likely to feel and look healthy. Your eyes will sparkle. Your skin will glow. Your body will have more energy from all the good calories you consume. Eating a proper diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in calories and fats even has the potential to slow down the aging process!
In addition to watching what you eat, you should take care to protect yourself when out in the sun. A little Vitamin D from the sun is good for you. However, too much exposure to ultra-violet rays can damage your skin and eyes. That is why you should ALWAYS make it a practice to wear a sunblock and sunglasses. Adding a hat to the mix can provide extra protection, as well as make a fashion statement.
Drink plenty of water throughout the year…especially when the temperatures begin to soar. Water is necessary to keep the body properly hydrated and free of toxins. A well-hydrated body functions better, looks better, and feels better.
What are you waiting for? Summer will soon be here! It’s time to get to work!
I have a cool app on my phone that tracks my steps as well. My husband and I stay cooped up in the winter treadmilling about but can’t wait as spring is just about here. Too bad we live in Northern Ohio, or we would have been running outside a lot sooner.
Yup, spent all winter being lazy. Time to take your advice and get ready for summer-it came late for us..I mean Spring isn’t quite here yet 🙂
Winter does make you feel dull and unenergised. You end up wanting to just hibernate through the whole period and not do much at all but like you say, a good exercise regime and a good diet will make you feel heaps better and get you in good shape for the summer months. Although summer naturally makes you feel great and gives you an extra glow, sticking to your exercise and diet plan is still vitally important.