Summer is fast-approaching! Here in southwest Florida, that means taking advantage of all kinds of amazing outdoor activities: pool parties, trips to the beach and days out on the boat. But is your body ready for all that fun?
When we talk about fitness, we’re not being superficial. Of course, you want to look great for summer, and fitness will get you there. But we’re also talking about feeling great in your body. Making sure everything on the inside is operating at peak performance. When you work hard week after week, you’ll notice the difference even when you’re relaxing. And you know what? Other people can see that, too.
Your stronger, skinnier, more flexible body just moves better. You stand up straighter, you’re more comfortable in your own skin. You turn heads.
We work hard on functional fitness, and functional fitness works for your recreational activities, too. Being ready for summer means carrying the cooler, setting up the umbrella, balancing on the bow of the boat and playing a mean game of paddleball—all with a smile on your face.
Here’s how to get there.
Start Now
Deadlines are helpful. They get you going. You can’t stop summer from coming, so you need to start your fitness training today. “Doing nothing” actually means actively damaging your health. Acting now is empowerment.
Before you click away from this blog, make a list of what you’re going to do to get fit for summer. If you’re not sure what to write down first, try “send an email to Lana@lanasbarbelles.com.”
Secure Outside Accountability
The trouble with long-term deadlines is they don’t always focus you in the day-to-day. That’s why you need another person to report to. Maybe you have a highly motivated friend who will keep you on your toes. Tell them what you want to do so you can’t back out of it. Even better, sign up with a personal trainer. It’s their job to keep you motivated, and you’ll work even harder to avoid disappointing a professional.
Combine Strength Training and HIIT
It’s a huge mistake—especially among women—to try to lose weight and get fit through cardio alone. Sorry to say it, but it’s April, and spin class isn’t going to get you to your summer body by June. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) gets your body working exponentially harder while using a variety of muscle groups in ways that conventional workouts simply can’t touch.
Then you combine HIIT with strength training, which builds lean muscle mass, so that you’re stronger, better balanced, and burning loads of calories even after your workout is done.
Take Your Gym Mindset Home With You
Whether it’s a one-on-one workout with a personal trainer, small group classes, or even over Zoom sessions, we love getting people pumped up for their workouts.
But in order to be successful come summer, you can’t just be fitness-minded only while you’re with your trainer. Fitness is a round-the-clock pursuit. That means eating right, getting enough rest, and yes, working out at home, too.
When your personal trainer or group instructor is done guiding you through your workout, take the time to ask them what else you should be doing. You’ll feel great, you’ll reach your goals that much quicker, and your friends and family will be even more impressed the next time they see you.
