It's halfway through summer and things are starting to drag. Work is monotonous and you miss the people back at school that makes you excited for your day. Things still seem to be busy even when you're home but this time you're most likely living with your parents and trying to use what you can to stay fit.
Somehow you find that specific motivation that kept you going during the semester lacking when you're home for the summer. You're stuck figuring out how you'll still keep healthy despite it all.
Luckily there are still ways to keep that motivation and body you worked so hard for! It doesn't have to mean a pre-ordered meal plan or buying an expensive gym membership. Sometimes all you need is the right foods to eat and just a few weights to get back on track.
1. Start slowly.
We all started somewhere. And if you haven't worked out in a few weeks or months, it is harder for your body to get back to what it was used to. It may be intimidating or slightly shameful that you let go but it is never too late to be healthy again. Start with some cardio and light weight training. The smaller the weight, the more reps you'll get in.
2. You don't always need a fancy gym.
Having a gym membership is great but sometimes it is too much to pay for only a few months. Being a student is hard enough with other expenses. If you're still trying to keep fit you'll only need a few lightweights, resistance bands, and your own body to fuel you. However, if you were used to the sounds and challenges of actual deadlifting than look for certain student deals that local gyms will offer. You'll get just the right bang for your buck.
3. Keep track of what you eat.
This doesn't always mean buying a fancy diet that you see posted around the internet. Half of the times those never work because they are geared towards the profit of the diet company. It's all a matter of moderation. Don't always cut out foods your body needs to fuel itself (yes I'm talking carbs). Do some research and find the foods that work best for your goals. If you were already on your prep routine than keep to it.
4. Try something new.
This summer I decided to start doing home yoga twice a week for more than just challenging my body. I found that it helped with a lot of my stress and actually left me a bit sore the next morning. If you're sick of your regular routine, always decided to try something new. So long as it keeps you active it's a good thing. This way you won't get bored or lose motivation as easily.
5. Half of the battle is in your head.
This is probably the most important. Determination comes from inner drive. Hard work comes from not giving up. If you're tired of the way you look than it's only up to you to change that. Don't focus on what everyone else is doing. All those fitness people you see on Instagram are inspiration not expectation. They have different goals than you and are often posing in pictures a certain way or taking them when their bodies are not filled with food or water they've consumed. Your biggest enemy to overcome will always be yourself.
Summer should never be an excuse to not stay fit. Find unique ways to exercise and set aside time to do it. You'll be exhausted some days from work but exercising will boost your energy and confidence levels and have you feeling ready to conquer the new semester.
