The Phillies, cookouts, graduations, these are a few sure signs that spring is here and summer is just around the corner. While some people look forward to shedding their bulky winter gear for lighter (and less!) clothes, many people dread wearing less and revealing more. If you are among the latter group, this article is for you. If you are in the former group, this article is for you, too!
At Strength Personal Training, we focus on helping our clients get fit and healthy; the bonus is that they look better, too!
Here is a list of Strength Personal Training’s Top Health & Fitness Tips to help you look and feel your best this summer.
Get some form of exercise in every day: Whether it’s going to the gym for an hour or walking 15 minutes in your neighborhood. This will be tough at first, but soon become a habit. Log your daily exercise on your calendar to keep yourself accountable.
Hire a Trainer: Having a trainer helps you stay focused with personally tailored workouts to help each client achieve and exceed their health and fitness goals. The accountability, professionalism and safety you receive is worth its weight in gold.
Set a Fitness Goal: A powerful way to stay focused is to sign up for a race. Whether you run, bike, walk or swim; you can always find it on www.active.com You don’t have to be the best; just give it your best! Even if you start out by signing up for a local 5k and walk it. Upon completion, sign up for another one and beat your last time.
Join a Class: Studies suggest group activities release feel-good chemicals in the brain, and that group fitness fuels a sense of shared goals. A series of studies shows that group class means you’ll show up, be on time and actually get a workout in! We are seeing amazing results and great friendships develop at our Strength Bootcamps.
Drink Plenty of Water: Hydration is the key to good health. Our bodies are made up of mostly water. Most people walk around dehydrated. Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks cause dehydration. Drinking plenty of water will increase your metabolic rate and help you feel less hungry.
Eat Smaller Meal Portions, More Frequently: Many Americans skip breakfast and eat a large dinner. Your body can’t break down all the calories from a big meal. The excess calories turn into body fat. The key is to eat small, well-balanced meals, every 3-4 hours. This prevents over eating, increases energy and burns fat.
Pack Your Lunch: Make yourself a healthy lunch and take it to work with you. This will help you avoid impulsive eating like fast food, pizza, Chinese food, etc. It also saves time and money and you will feel better, too!
Turn it Off!: For 10 minutes a day, turn off the computer, TV, cell phone etc. Use these 10 minutes to close your eyes and center yourself. I use my 10 minutes to pray and thank God for all the wonderful things in my life and pray for specific things in my life and in the lives of others.
Treat Yourself: You can only be extremely disciplined for so long before you go crazy. Life is about balance. Treat yourself to an ice cream or pizza, etc. This will also keep you focused because you don’t have to constantly deny yourself. Remember to do this sparingly.
I am sure that these tips are not new to you, however, if you put them into practice, you will find that your energy will increase and your body will thank you.