Getting Into Summer Shape

Living a healthy lifestyle comes with a number of benefits, but we often focus even more when summer comes around. Although health and fitness are year-long goals, there are steps you can take to make that extra push. Here are a few tips for getting into summer shape.

Professional Help

Many people are able to stay in excellent shape without relying on expert help. However, a few sessions with a personal trainer can help you develop a fitness routine that meets your needs and your lifestyle. Check out nearby fitness centers to see what programs they have available. The best fitness classes in San Diego and other major cities are taught by qualified experts. Such places provide a fitness oasis you can enjoy going to several times per week. Consider speaking with a nutritionist or dietitian, and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for advice. If you have friends who excel at fitness, they might be able to help you out as well even if they aren’t professionals.

Focus on Diet

The most important way to make your sundresses and swim tops look great is to focus on your diet. Unless you’re embarking on a professional athlete-style fitness routine, your primary goal should be to ensure you’re consuming fewer calories than you burn during the day. There are plenty of wonderful apps that help with counting calories, and tracking how much you consume is essential for maintaining the right caloric intake. Studies show that people typically consume significantly more calories than they estimate, so be rigorous.

Find Activities You Love

Spending time on a treadmill is an enjoyable experience for some people. Others, however, find treadmills tedious and have far greater success jogging outdoors. Stationary bicycles in the gym serve some people best, while others prefer to cycle at home in front of the television. For many people, however, nothing can beat sports. Tennis, soccer or volleyball might be the key toward giving you an exercise you can participate in for years or decades to come. Finding a calorie-burning exercise you love changes exercise from a chore into something you look forward to doing.

Work Together

Studies have also shown that people are better at meeting their fitness goals when they work together. It’s easy to procrastinate when you don’t have an obligation to help a friend stay in shape, so schedule workout sessions with friends and family members to keep you motivated. Furthermore, exercising with friends can serve as an enjoyable social activity, giving you a chance to catch up with people you enjoy spending time with. If you have children, developing family exercise time can be a great way to get your kids to think about fitness and view it as a normal part of a healthy lifestyle.

Move Beyond Cardiovascular Exercise

Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders. Weight training has similar health benefits when compared to cardiovascular exercise, and it can help you achieve better definition during swimsuit season. Some women are afraid of bulking up too much due to strength training, but it takes a concerted effort and a particular diet to add significant muscle mass. There are also recommended workout supplements for women that can help with weight loss and building lean muscles. Furthermore, strength training can help make other exercises more efficient and safe for women. Yoga is great for improving your flexibility, and tai chi is perhaps the best exercise for developing graceful movement and balance.

Find an Appropriate Time

Starting off each day by heading to the gym can seem unrealistic at first, but many people have found it’s a wonderful way to get going in the morning. For other people, heading to the gym after a long day of work serves as an excellent stress release and makes it easier to unwind. Find a time that works for your lifestyle and helps you maintain a healthy life balance. Doing so provides benefits long after summer has ended.

Exercise is key toward living a long and healthy life, and finding a way to enjoy a balanced diet with the right amount of calories makes keeping your weight within a healthy range much easier. Above all, make sure to experiment. You might be surprised at what works best for you.