Summer will soon be upon us! Between all of our upcoming beach trips and pool parties, it's now crucial to hit the gym and get beach body ready. Or so you thought. If you're anything like me and get lazy after working out a few times, then you know how hard it is to make a routine and stick with it. These 10 things are bound to make staying in shape a little bit easier.
1. Drink plenty of water
Even if you're just sitting around at home, it's essential to drink about 10 glasses of water a day, more or less depending on your age and body type. Water helps clean out your body and makes you feel more energized. Our bodies are made up of mostly water and need to be replenished.
2. Get some sleep
Sleeping 6-8 hours a night boosts your metabolism and leaves you feeling your best. It may be helpful to set an alarm to wake up the same time each day and exercise in the morning. That way you'll have more energy to go about the rest of your day.
3. Ease into it
If you go out running, start by power walking into a light jog. When lifting weights or using machinery, use the lowest amount of resistance first before gradually increasing over time. Start out by exercising one or two times a week, then after a few weeks do it 3 times a week, then every other day before working out every single day.
4. Start with the basics
Stick with jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups and the like first before trying out new and trendy exercises. When starting out for the first time, do 2-3 sets of 10 reps and take breaks as needed. Target certain areas at a time, i.e. upper body (arms, shoulders), lower body (legs, glutes), and core, and do not exercise the same body parts two days in a row.
5. Stretch regularly
Stretching increases flexibility and relieves any stress and tension in your body. Breathe continuously as you go and maintain proper form. Focus most on areas that feel the tightest, but stop if the pain becomes unbearable.
6. Make a schedule
Write out which areas you want to target each day and what times of the day you want to dedicate to each exercise. Leave time for breaks to drink water and eating snacks like trail mix.
7. Grab some friends
Bring some of your besties to the gym with you and hit the tread, or go to fitness classes together. Even bring them along on your morning jog. It will give you something to do together and a support system to keep you motivated.
8. Buy cute workout gear
You'll be more likely to get up and moving if you feel confident in what you're wearing. Hit up the mall with your girls and get yourselves some new gear. My top picks include tank tops, sports bras, shorts and capris.
9. Listen to music
Whatever you decide to do, put your headphones on and jam out to your favorite playlist. Stick with upbeat and motivational music and steer clear of melancholy slow jams. Spotify has pre-generated playlists available or you can create your own.
10. Do for YOU and NO ONE ELSE
No matter what you decide, do it because you want to and not because you feel like you have to. Don't listen to the haters who believe you're less than what you're worth. Exercising induces STRENGTH and should not be done to alter yourself for someone else. You're beautiful the way you are and others who refuse to see that aren't worth it.