Summer is knocking at our door! For those of us who slept all winter and spring, we still have a short time to get our bodies in decent shape before the summer begins. If you want to get fit and feel light and energized for the summer, follow these six steps for the summer body you deserve!
1. Eat clean
This term has been used countless times and may be overused, but the key to losing weight is not only working out but also changing your eating habits.
Eating clean is not costly and you don’t have to head to Whole Foods and buy all of their organic food items.
You can change your eating habits simply by cutting out sugars, processed and fried foods, dairy, and unnecessary carbs.
Incorporating foods like smoothies, grilled foods instead of fried foods, leafy greens, and salads will help detox your body of the unhealthy foods you’re used to eating and help cut the fat! It can be a difficult transition but your body will thank you later.
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2. Begin cardiovascular activity
Cardio workouts are a good way to shed fat. Pick an activity that you enjoy doing for 45 minutes or so.
Activities could include running/jogging on the treadmill, biking on an elliptical, hiking, swimming and any other activity where you work up a sweat. Alternating exercises each day provides a change in motion but you are free to do the same exercise each day.
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3. Strength train
The term strength train sounds intense, but it’s simply exercising by strengthening and toning your muscles. You do this by implementing weights and dumbbells into exercises such as squats and crunches. Other types of strength training exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, chair dips, planks, lunges, calf raises and wall sits. Weight machines are also very useful for strength training.
4. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is always important. During the summer months, it's even more necessary.
According to the American Heart Association, “Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. And, it helps the muscles work efficiently.”
Drinking a glass of water before a meal can also help curb your appetite and limit unnecessary snacking.
Whatsmore, research indicates that drinking water (especially cold water) can help you burn calories. Water also helps rid our bodies of toxins and waste that may cause us to feel bloated and add a few extra pounds.
5. Limit alcohol
If you are trying to reach those summer body goals, then you may want to limit your alcohol consumption. Beer is filled with empty calories. Meanwhile, alcohol such as whiskey and rum has a lot of added sugars. If you must drink, consider light liquors such as gin and vodka.
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6. Get rest
It is important to make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep so that your body has time to recuperate and strengthen. Additionally, not getting enough sleep can add pounds to your waistline. Your body will thank you for finding a balance between having a good time, exercising, and resting.
The tips above are just a few ways to lose weight and get in shape in 30 days before the summer begins. Consulting a trainer or professional about these and additional tips could be helpful as well.
Lisa Hammond is a 24-year old faith and lifestyle blogger from Cleveland, OH. With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cleveland State University, Lisa’s goal is to become a journalist, speaker, and author motivating women across the world.
