Summer is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean that the opportunity to get into shape for the beach has passed. In fact, there’s a whole world of exercise options out there that’ll help you feel confident in body and mind for a late summer getaway.
This post, courtesy of Start Fitness, will cut through the noise and unhelpful advice that litters the internet, giving you some simple, actionable and healthy tips that’ll pave the way for beach body bliss.
Low-key daily exercise
A key element of getting fit for summer is making sure your workouts are part of a regular daily routine. This eases your body into a regular calorie-burning timetable and means you won’t overexert yourself or spend too long in between exercises.
It’s scalable, too. Depending on how active or sedentary your job is, an evening jog of any length is enough to keep your routine optimised. If running’s not your thing, you could lift weights or do sit-ups to strengthen your core muscles – a key muscle group for a beach body. It takes roughly two months for a routine to embed itself properly into your day-to-day life, so don’t fret if it feels a bit alien when you first start – just keep pushing through and you’ll be fine.
Work out around work
If you’ve got a beach holiday on the horizon, then chances are you’ve got a few solid weeks of work ahead before you go. Fitting a workout around a demanding job can be difficult, but utilising your time smartly can make it a breeze.
Incorporating an active commute such as cycling or running to work is a smart life-hack that not only strengthens and tones beach-ready muscles but also optimises your day, meaning your time at home will be all about relaxation – instead of trying to find the motivation to hit the gym in the evening.
Experiment with yoga
For increased muscle toning, combine a cycle commute with a yoga class, so you’re hitting all the correct muscle groups. Yoga is easy to pick up and any major city will be filled with classes for those looking to work this trend into their everyday lives.
A second benefit of yoga is that it’s much more relaxing and zen-like than other, more intensive workouts – so you’ll be relaxed even before you get on the plane for your sun and sand getaway!
Don’t overdo the diet
“No carbs ‘til Marbs” might be a catchy phrase, but in effect, promotes a drastic diet to be adhered to before your holiday. Signing up for an irresponsible diet plan that’ll leave you hungry and unhappy isn’t the holiday preparation that we’d recommend.
Instead, take your current diet and tweak it slightly, try to hit five fruit and vegetables a day, and swapping out snacks such as crisps and cookies for low-fat, high-protein alternatives like Brazil nuts or vegetable crisps. Protein-based foods keep you fuller for longer, which will help you slim down for a summer on the beach.
Most important of all is making sure that you feel comfortable in your own skin when you’re on holiday, something that supersedes any diet plan or exercise routine you may opt for. Be yourself, don’t forget to relax, and we’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable holiday!
