5 Tips to Keep Your Sexy Summer Body All Year Long
Been busy the last few months working on your summer body? What if I told you that it’s possible to have and keep that summer body all year long? It’s true! You don’t have to force yourself into “get fit and healthy overdrive” the months leading up to summer every year. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if “swimsuit season” meant putting on a swimsuit to go for a swim, instead of meaning panic mode with a side of double-time cardio?
I know it might sound too good to be true, but it’s not! And, it doesn’t mean you have to be on a diet all the time in order to maintain your results throughout the year. I have been on my fitness journey for 10 years and have done a lot of trial and error with myself and with previous clients. So, I want to share with you what works and what is realistic to practice on a regular basis in order to keep your summer body in tip-top shape no matter the time of year.
5 tips to stay fit all year long
1. Balance out your training (no extremes!)
You might be inclined to do more cardio or work out several times a day as the summer months approach. But honestly, this isn’t sustainable and puts a lot of stress on your body and mind. Instead of scrambling for 2-hour cardio sessions every day, why not stay consistent with 30-60 minutes of exercise 3-6 times per week on a regular basis? You won’t have to rush and you won’t have to dwell and obsess over your workouts in order to get the results you want. Now, it might be the case that you kick up your workouts just a little bit before summer to get the last 1-2kg (2-4lbs) off — but don’t crash diet or overdo your workouts, please!
2. Don’t eliminate all indulgences
If we think we can’t have something, what happens? We want it more! Just give yourself your favorite foods in moderation. I am not a huge sweets person, but I really love dark chocolate. So, I eat a square or two of dark chocolate a couple times per week. Sometimes I even have it for breakfast, watch out! The most important thing is to be mindful about the foods you are eating. If your favorite food is asparagus, then eat up! But if you’re a peach cobbler mega fan, you have to be a bit more aware that devouring it on a regular basis isn’t really going to promote your goals. When you have this sort of “I can have it when I want it” mindset, versus an “I am not allowed to have it” one, you really see that these forbidden foods are not in control of you – you are in control of them!
3. Focus more on getting stronger, not skinnier or more ripped
The more you focus on getting stronger and pushing your limits, the better. You don’t need to stare at yourself in the mirror all day or step on the scale every morning and obsess about the number on it. Think more about getting out of your comfort zone, working out and eating healthy to live a long life and you’ll be much better off. Stronger works for everyone, even those people who will never be skinny with a thigh gap (like me!). While we might all very well be in completely different stages of our lives and fitness journeys, we can all work towards getting stronger!
4. Make fitness and health-related goal-setting a constant part of your life
Don’t just think about fitness and health when the weather warms up. Think about it all the time and how it can make your life better! Here are some examples of fitness and health-related goals you could be setting all year round:
- Hold a plank longer than 1 minute
- Try out 2 new meals-in-a-mason-jar recipes to bring with me to work
- Master crow pose in my yoga class
- Get an extra hour of sleep every night
- Run 300km this year for my Yearly Running Goal
These are great examples of goals you can focus on and think about during any season. To really put these goals into action, you have to break them down into S.M.A.R.T. goals. Once you do, you’ll definitely be set up for success!
5. Find your supportive crew
Let’s face it, support from others makes working out, eating healthy and staying focused on your goals SO much easier. When you find a solid group of people to keep you motivated and accountable, you’ll be much more successful. Community keeps people together, focused, moving forward and constantly supported – it’s amazing! If you don’t have a group of supportive fitness-minded folks, find one. Connect with those in the Runtastic Results Groups in your area or find a running group or something like that. It’s great to meet new people with common interests and it’s fuel for your goals. #strongertogether
Do you have any tips on how you are able to stay balanced and fit all year round? Share them with me in the comments section below.
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