5 Tips for Getting Back in Shape for Summer
We’ve had a rough year, and most of us have been stuck at home with all our chores and responsibilities piling up. With so much stress in the midst of this health crisis, plus remote work and so many other issues, few people have managed to stick to their fitness routine, let alone add new challenges into the mix. Hoping that our local governments will slowly lift many bans, including social distancing and travel, we are looking to shed those pesky pandemic-caused pounds in preparation for summer, and hopefully a tropical beach or two.
Even if travel bans remain, we owe it to our health and wellbeing to start treating our bodies like the temples that they are. Now, it’s more stressful than ever and you have many other responsibilities to think of, but we’ll make it easier for you to restructure your fitness routine, build up a leaner physique, elevate your energy, and feel good in your own skin once more!
Start tracking your goals with apps
Recognizing bad patterns in your lifestyle is half the fat loss battle. To do that, you can leverage apps that let you count your calories, steps, but also measure all other facets of your fitness efforts each day. This helps you set specific milestones, see what you’ve accomplished (which will motivate you even further), and refine your efforts.
Look for versatile fitness classes
If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that the gym isn’t the holy grail of exercise and fat loss, especially if you’re not well-versed in the best ways to use the machines and weights on your own and without supervision. Thankfully, you can check out all kinds of YouTube fitness channels and dedicated online platforms with versatile exercise programs for all skill levels.
By mixing and matching what’s available online, you can start training more regularly at home or outdoors, depending on your weather forecast and social distancing rules. Also, you can always hire a professional trainer to craft a plan for you and to keep things interesting no matter the circumstances.
Stick to a meal plan
It’s essential for you to understand what kind of nutrition your body needs in order to design your meal plan properly. It will help you sustain your energy to stay active, but it will also help you boost productivity and reach your weight loss goal faster. Introducing clearly outlined meals built around protein, healthy carbs, and healthy fats is essential.
Add to that, you can add a pre-and post-workout shake to reinforce your healthy diet, too. Adding protein, but also conjugated linoleic acid (or CLA) and creatine can boost your performance and your body’s ability to shed fat while building muscle. Before you make up your mind, make sure to learn more about CLA supplements and other fitness goodies to make the most of them in your diet. That way, you’ll be able to invest in the best batch for your goals and take them when and in a way that is most appropriate for you.
Get active outside your training
Instead of forcing yourself to introduce six unbearable training sessions into your busy week – which isn’t sustainable even for the most dedicated fitness fanatics out there – you should aim to lead a more active life every day. It’s the little steps that can count the most, so you can, for example, walk or cycle to work once your office reopens, or have a brief morning run if you work from home and have a park nearby.
Take the stairs even with those sore muscles after training, as the added activity will help your body heal faster. Take active lunch breaks, so instead of staying at your desk, you can eat your lunch walking, or do a quick yoga sequence at your desk before you eat.
Start snacking with your health in mind
For some, snacking is about keeping yourself occupied while you’re tackling a dull work assignment, while for others, it’s that must-have source of energy during touch projects. Now, if you sleep properly, hydrate well, and train, you should also be mindful of what you munch on during the day. So, instead of reaching for the sweet or savory treats you’d normally get when you’re having those cravings, go for something nutritious and delicious at the same time.
Cut an apple into slices and add a layer of cashews (or another type of nut) butter, or get some fresh carrot sticks to dip into hummus. Healthy snacking can be tasty and effortless when you plan for it in your daily meals, and give yourself the needed energy boost with the right, healthy choices.
It can be tough to stay on track with healthy eating and exercise when you don’t have a clear structure in mind. Once you plan out your days thoroughly and create smaller goals that are easier to track and achieve, you’ll enjoy your fitness efforts much more than ever. In fact, chasing your summer physique will turn into a lifestyle that will have all the potential to help you stay resilient, feel good, and energized for all your aspirations – the fitness-related ones included!
Author: Peter Minkoff
