Summer is around the corner, which means it’s high time to work off the winter comfort food and get your body summer ready.
This doesn’t have to mean living on salad and water and spending all the day in the gym. By incorporating a couple of short, yet effective workout routines in your day or week, you will see great results and feel fitter, stronger and healthier too.
Try these three exercise tips to get you started:
- Short and sweet: Instead of one, long, intense workout, why not try incorporating shorter exercises throughout the day. There are loads of at-home workouts available online, or exercises you can do at your desk or from the couch. Do a couple of jumping jacks or crunches while you wait for the oven to preheat, or count some squat sets in the living room while you watch your favourite series. You might be surprised how many reps you can squeeze into just 20 minutes. Push yourself to beat the previous day’s record, and you’ll be thanking your commitment in no time.
- Head outdoors: Make the most of the weather and head outside. Play some soccer, cricket or padel or encourage friends and family to join you on a hike or an outing to the park. Pack a few snacks for when you reach your destination, and sit back as you reward yourselves for accomplishing the feat. Protein chips and bars make for easy, delicious and convenient snacks and, to keep the team refreshed, decant herbal teas or kilojoule-controlled aloe water into a flask.
- Set goals and reward yourself: It’s one thing to keep fit, but we’re all driven by the promise of a reward. Whether you’re working towards a fitter frame or simply want to take your wellness to the next level, remember to motivate yourself with a few incentives. If you want to tone up, set yourself a goal. For example, if you do 50 push-ups a day for a week, treat yourself to new gym shorts. If you commit for a month, buy a smoothie maker. Having something to work towards is a great motivator to keep you moving forward and achieving your goals.
Your summer fitness depends on determination and consistency. To amplify your motivation, make sure to supplement your diet with drink mixes that are high in zinc, vitamin D and C, or a high-fibre alternative that supports your nutrition goals. It’s also wise to start your workout with a little help. Choose a delicious energy drink mix before exercising or whenever you need to get back on track.