Lose Weight & Get in Shape this Summer

Summer is here and along with it the seasonal push to get in shape. The agreeable weather brings us beautiful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors – from long days at the beach soaking up the sun and saltwater to hikes in the hills enjoying the fresh breeze and refreshing smell of nature. There are endless summer gatherings, vacations, parties, and events…something new and exciting each day. If I had to describe summer in one word, it would be energy. We can take this energy and use it to power our workouts.

This summer, take it to the next level by challenging ourselves each day to work harder and go further than the day before. If you engage in the same routine each week, it becomes habitual and suddenly your body plateaus. What once created great results in your body is no longer working; your body maintains instead of evolves and suddenly you become uninterested. Save yourself from this kiss of fitness death by incorporating new routines that constantly challenge your body. There following includes several ways to change up your exercise program for added value and results.

Change your environment

If you regularly do cardio in the gym, why not take it outside? Take advantage of the weather and scenery by going for a walk with nature. Take it to the beach, the trail, a local staircase…just take it outside. Let the scenery be your workout guide. Vow to go a little further each day. Make it an adventure! Before you know it, you will have added 30 minutes or more to your workout! That is an extra 200-300 calories!

Change your pace

Are you a serial runner? Slow it down and hike some hills. Are you a walk-aholic? Add some sprints to spice it up. Start with a one minute sprint for every 10 minutes of your normal pace. Do that five times and before you know it, the hour is almost gone! Do you always workout at an even pace? Try adding slow sets or speed it up with a quick pulse. Keep your body guessing. When you work your slow twitch fibers, you burn more fat and can reach muscle failure even faster! Don’t be afraid of going slow.

Change your mindset

This one is big! The common inhibitor keeping people from reaching the next level with their fitness is fear. Fear they “can’t” – fear their bodies are not capable. Let go of that fear. You can go an extra mile. You can lift heavier. You can squat deeper. You can hold that plank an extra 10 seconds. Please be sure to exercise in a safe manner. For advice on proper form, talk to a certified health professional.

So, make a deal to challenge yourself this summer. Go harder, faster, longer. Take advantage of the summer energy and go for it! You can do it, you know you can!

Written by : Sarah Martz of Rockit Body Pilates