You know there are benefits to being in shape, but knowing and getting there aren’t the same things, which is why we’re sharing 10 easy ways to be the shape you love best this summer! Your body is a fabulous gift, and if you treat it right, it will last you a lifetime!
It’s a given that exercise should be an essential part of everyone’s lifestyle. The body was designed to move, stretch, lift objects, and climb. There are many benefits to physical activity:
- Delivers oxygen to cells and tissues
- Removes toxins in the body
- Stabilizes body weight
- Sculpts the body
- Energizes the lymphatic system
- Helps to eliminate illness and disease
Some form of exercise should be done daily to keep our bodies strong and limber and to avoid unnecessary aches and pains.
Even though we may know the benefits of exercise, sometimes, we need a little motivation to keep us going. Below are some tips to help keep you inspired and give you some ideas so that you can achieve your best body!
Exercise in the Morning
This way you get it out of the way first thing bright and early. Morning exercise sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. You feel energized, your mind is clear and more focused, and it provides a sense of accomplishment, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day knowing that you exercised. Starting out with a healthy, nutritional shake like Lean Meal or Collagen Builder before you exercise to provide energy helps as well.
Write Down Your Goals to Stay Focused
What does your ideal body look like? More importantly, what does it feel like? Is it being able to hike to the top of that trail without being winded? Craft a clear and exciting vision of the shape you want your body to be as well as to be in. Write as much detail as you can. Be specific. Then read it often to remind yourself of your vision and goal. This can help you stay inspired and on track.
Don’t Focus on Cardiovascular Exercise Only
Cardio only takes you so far. Initially, it may help shed some body weight, and it definitely helps with getting the lungs and heart going; however, if you want that sculpted, lean, toned look you need to push those weights. If the gym is not your thing buy some basic weight equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat. Doing bodyweight exercise like pushups and squats, lunges, and pull-ups can also be beneficial. All you need is 30 minutes of strength training 3 to 4 times a week to help tighten and tone your body. This extra training also strengthens bone density, providing you with greater health benefits long-term.
Keep It Interesting with New and Exciting Fitness Trends
Subscribe to a fitness magazine to stay motivated, passionate, and up to date with the latest and greatest trends. Break up the routine of your workout with new activities to keep it fresh and interesting to you.
Invite the Family
If family time is an issue, plan family time around physical activities such as biking, hiking, walking, and running. Biking with your kids can be fun and really great for the health of everyone involved. Make exercise fun so that your kids not only learn what an active lifestyle looks like but that they, too, can have fun and keep this lifestyle going into their adulthood.
Bring a Friend
Invite a buddy or buddies to exercise with you. This can help you to keep each other accountable to your goals. Plan weekly walks, hikes, and bike rides. Motivate each other to stay on track and push harder each week.
Keep it Trackable
Wear a wristband pedometer and count your daily steps. Keep track and see how far you can go. Challenge yourself every day to go farther. Did you know that 8000 steps a day can improve your chances of longevity? Track it and stay accountable to yourself.
Every Second Counts
Squeeze in activity whenever and wherever you can. If you can’t follow a structured workout plan, then do the best you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Work out at the park while your toddler is having fun, too. There are lots of benches at parks that you can utilize for dips, step-ups, lunges, and even pull-ups can be done at the park on the monkey bars. Be resourceful and have fun!
Be Creative
Utilize your surroundings. Here are some examples, if you are waiting in line, stand on your tippy-toes and do some calf raises. Do bicep curls with your reusable grocery totes you are carrying in the house. Got a wall close by? Place your back up against it and squat until your legs are parallel to the ground and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds or as long as you can. You can get those glutes firing while going up the stairs. Take two stairs at a time, and squeeze your glutes on each step.
Relax!
Add a stress relief activity at least once a week. Life can get very stressful, and the body needs some downtime. Incorporate a gentle stretching program, tai chi, or yoga class into your week. It helps your body destress from your busy schedule. A stress relief activity allows you to connect with your inner self, and keep you calm and relaxed. And don’t forget the potent regenerative benefits of Ashwagandha. Sunwarrior’s 10% natural withanolides provide a natural means to relax as well as a therapeutic advantage supporting the immune system and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
We all need inspiration to keep going. I hope these tips will help keep you motivated this summer. It is important to do what you can to be active and moving throughout the day. Your life depends on it!
