Have you heard the popular saying that summer bodies are made in winter? We wholeheartedly agree. Everyone—women and men alike—wants to look great in a swimsuit and feel confident at the beach and beyond. But after we’ve recovered from the long winter holidays, we realize we’ve gained a few extra pounds. That’s normal—the lavish meals and festive occasions make it easy to put on weight.
At the end of January, we take a look at ourselves and see the damage we’ve done to our bodies, then start searching for all kinds of quick and effective diets that will help us lose weight in two weeks. Unfortunately, this can not only affect your figure later on, but also harm your health.
Read more: 5 ways to get back in shape after the holidays
The truth is that change depends on you: your motivation, your desire and, of course, your fitness level. When you decide that you want to change your life, our advice is to do it right.
Personal trainer
Consult a specialist. Choose a personal trainer to supervise you while you exercise. Don’t risk injuring yourself—put your trust in a professional instructor. YouTube videos with different exercises can sometimes be useful, but you never know what you’ll find. Besides, everyone is different. Even if you think certain exercises are right for you and your body, you may be mistaken. Instead of getting the results you dream of, you could end up wasting your time.
GROUP WORKOUTS
If you don’t want to do strength training because you think you’ll get too muscular (a completely mistaken belief that we’ll discuss another time), you can choose from the many group workouts that will make you feel like an integral part of a close-knit team. As you have fun working out to your favorite songs, you’ll lose weight, burn extra calories, and become stronger and more enduring without even noticing.
Nutrition plan
Once you’ve chosen an instructor or group workout that suits your personal style and preferences, it’s time to talk to them about your nutrition plan, too. Tell them what you like and don’t like to eat, and share your current eating habits without worrying. They’ll create a plan just for you, tailored to your workout program and specific needs. Don’t assume that every plan is right for you. On the contrary—when you recognize how unique your body and organism are, you’ll achieve remarkable results.
Bear in mind that no matter how many weights you lift, how many squats you do, or how much you run on the treadmill, the effect will be minimal if you don’t pair your workouts with proper nutrition, because the ratio is 80:20 in favor of a healthy daily diet. Add more vegetables, meat, eggs, and fish to your diet. Learn about the main food groups you need and keep track of your calories. It’s important to stick to your nutrition plan and not stray from it, or you won’t achieve what you want.
Three in one
Learn about the origin and ingredients of the products you put on your table, and avoid unhealthy foods like chips and fizzy drinks. Find a sport that doesn’t feel like a tedious chore, and go to the gym 2–3 times a week. Getting started with change isn’t easy. People often mistakenly think it happens from the outside in, but the truth is the opposite—you first need to accept that you need to change and live a healthier life. Regular exercise with a personal trainer or in a group, combined with proper nutrition, will not only give you the confidence you need, but also make you healthier, more energetic, and happier.
So, are you ready to get in shape for summer?