With summer just around the corner, we’re all wanting to get fit. Having a beach-ready body is a goal of many women, but sadly your goal physique won’t just appear overnight. You have to work for it! Though it may be hard to be consistent with exercise, it unfortunately is the only way to tone your problem areas and ultimately feel as confident as ever even in the smallest of shorts. Read on to find out some helpful tips that’ll make it a bit easier to lose that extra couple of pounds.
Get some cute gym fits
Most of us normal folks feel a bit out of place in the gym. All of those fit girls with bubbly behinds and muscled gym bros can intimidate the most confident of us. This is why you should treat yourself to some cute women’s activewear before you make the gym your second home. Get yourself some comfy but cute sports bras and leggings that’ll shape your legs into perfection. Nice clothes can make you feel more confident wherever you are! Once you’re satisfied with your outfit, it’ll be much easier to have a fire workout which will help you reach your goals. Of course, the activewear you choose shouldn’t be only gorgeous, but also functional. Make sure that the materials they’re made out of are fit for handling a lot of sweat and movement.
Drink a lot of water
Keeping your body well-hydrated is critical while working out in the heat of the summer. The right balance of electrolytes in the body is essential to a healthy state of mind. So, to keep salt and electrolytes in balance, mix a little sugar with water. To minimise over fatigue, muscular cramps, and nausea, take a drink at regular intervals throughout your exercise. Another great option is some cold herbal tea with a splash of lemon if you don’t like the taste of plain water. That being said, it’s also important to get enough hydration during the day as well, so always have your water bottle handy even when you’re not exercising.
Warm-ups and cool-downs are important
Warming up and cooling down properly is often overlooked! Prepare for a workout by doing dynamic stretches. These will warm up and flex your muscles so you’ll feel more comfortable working out. You may also do a slower and simpler version of the exercise you intend on doing. For example, if you’re planning to run on a treadmill, you can efficiently warm up by walking for a couple of minutes. On the other hand, if you’ll be doing squats, take lighter weights or no weights whatsoever and do a couple of reps before you start upping the intensity. After the exercise, you should take a few minutes to cool down and allow your heart rate to recover to a more normal level. The easiest way to cool down is to do some easy stretches. This will prevent later stiffness and injury!
Find a gym buddy
Having a workout buddy to compete with can be a great motivator to keep going and push your limits. Going to a new group fitness class or that incredibly intimidating part of the gym is much easier when you have someone you trust by your side. Furthermore, a workout buddy can help spot you through the last few reps of your weight training session so you’ll safely reach failure. When you’re lifting large weights, having a friend nearby helps keep you safe from injury. A knowledgeable workout buddy can also keep your form in check and give you some helpful advice!
Have sunscreen ready
If you’d like to work out outside, sunscreen should be an essential part of your workout kit. Sun can be pretty hard to avoid during the summer so a sunscreen with high SPF is non-negotiable. Your muscles will sometimes inevitably get sore after a workout, so you don’t have to add sunburns to the list of things you’ll have to deal with this summer. Healthy skin is just as important, if not more, than a beach-ready body.
Make your routine enjoyable
Not everyone has to lift weights to be fit! Find some form of exercise you enjoy and stick to it. It may be hot yoga or pilates, but if you love the way it makes your body feel, then you know you’ve found something that works for you! Once you love your workout routine, you’ll be more likely to stay consistent and actually notice the results.
Getting fit for the summer is on all of our to-do lists. Hopefully, our tips have helped you find a workout routine that’ll help you reach your goals!
Written by Brigitte Evans
