BLOG | Getting Into Summer Shape
For most women, summer isn't about the sun or warm weather - it's all about getting bikini ready. This tends to herald the rise of dangerous diets, such as “mono” diets (eating only one type of food), pro-ana diets or carb-free diets. But this is neither a safe or effective way to get into shape for summer. Not getting enough calories or nutrients can actually trigger you to eat more, causing more weight to pile on.
Here's my advice: Don't persecute yourself to fit into a bikini. There are many, many healthy ways to achieve a toned, bikini-ready body without starving yourself. Here are five suggestions for getting into great shape this summer:-
1. Take your exercise outside. Going for a quick jog outside gets you into better shape than jogging on a treadmill because the unevenness of the roads and walking paths force your body to work harder. However, the effects aren't only physical - exercising outside also allows you to reap the benefits of vitamin D (from the Sun’s rays) and the natural antidepressant properties of just being outside. People who spend more time outdoors are happier, more alert, and relaxed than those who don't.
2. Visit your local farmer's market. The warmer weather means that more local fresh fruit and vegetables are available to you, which typically contain more nutrients than store bought brands. Load up on dark, green or brightly coloured produce, which indicates a high nutritional content.
3. Start exercising in the morning. According to LifeScript.com, 90 percent of consistent exercisers always do it in the morning. If you make this your first priority when you wake up, the habit becomes unbreakable. There's also evidence that morning exercise boosts your metabolism, wakes you up better than caffeine, and helps you sleep better, making it essential for improving your overall health.
4. Go light. Warmer weather also means you can stop loading up on heavier, warmer foods, such as stews or pasta. Nutty salads, sandwiches or wraps are better, lighter choices without the caloric overload of warmer dishes.
My tip: Pack it with leafy greens, almonds, lean tuna or salmon and a drizzle of olive oil to make it more nutrient and energy dense. This also helps reduce dietary fat and calories, helping you to shed more weight.
5. Incorporate some strength training. Aerobic exercise can reduce overall "jiggle", but strength training helps tone your body, keeping your physique compact and fit. Get in at least 20 minutes of strength training three days a week to see results. However, be careful not to overexert yourself - doing too many repetitions or lifting weights inappropriately can cause muscle strains or injuries. Get professional help to avoid injuries and to find out which are the most effective resistance exercises for you.
Here's a parting thought: Play it safe for steady, healthy weight loss. You don't need to lose weight if you're in a healthy weight range. Exercising also helps tone your body, which improves your body's physique without losing weight. Getting in shape is important, but you really don't need to go to extreme measures in order to achieve your bikini-ready body.
Labels: summer, bikini, diets, carb-free, nutrients, shape, toned, jogging, treadmill, starving, physical, weight, exercise, nutritional, exercisers, metabolism, caffeine, dietary, fat, calories, strength, training, physique, resistance, muscle
Posted by: Theo Wood | 2nd May 2010 |
0844 736 5757
info@theowood.net
Theo Wood News Feeds