When the spring and summer roll around, many people automatically head for lighter foods and lighter clothing.The summer sunshine can be unforgiving, and that heat can be uncomfortable. So how can you tone up gently and with ease over the next few months?
Listen To Your Body
There are days where you have extra energy ready to burn, and others that a simple stretch will work. Go with it.
Walk
If you can walk to go somewhere, or even ride a bike, then do it. Not only will you benefit from this mentally, but you will also get your body moving in a relaxing way. Low-intensity exercises like walking, need fat and calories to keep going.
If you have trouble with needing a reason to go walking, then start talking photos, or map out a route. Sometimes people do better with walking when there is a goal in mind, aside from the health aspects.
Commit
Take a look at your daily schedule, and the chances are there are a few places that you could easily fit in up to 30 minutes of exercise. Make a commitment to that short amount of time and plan on something that you enjoy. Or you could choose to use an exercise bike for X distance, or X calories. Set smaller goals and commit to them. You can create a simple work out like doing a leg curl workout, lunges, lifting light weights or using a excersise bike a few times a week.
Diet
We know that fruits and vegetables are great for us, and yet many of us don’t increase our intake. They aid digestion, are good for the heart, increase our energy levels, which are all good things. From that, you can increase your intake of healthy fats, whole grains, and lean protein.
This combination will help with muscle repair and growth, which will help with achieving some of the toning up that you are hoping to achieve. It is probably the right time to cut down on unhealthier more fat packed food. You can find online calorie calculators that can help you work out what you need your deficit to be to lose between 1-2lbs a week.
Hydrate
When your skin is well hydrated inside and out, you are going to see a noticeable difference in how your skin looks overall. It would be best if you were aiming to drink at least two liters of water a day. If you struggle with remembering to drink water, then there are some phone applications that can help you.
- Plant Nanny
- Aqualert
- My Water Balance
- Aloe Bud
These great apps options to help you stay on top of your H2O requirements.
Stress
When you carry a lot of stress, you are more likely to hold on to weight and even gain weight even if you are doing everything else right. Try to really wind down in the evenings, and tackle the sources of stress in your life in order to lower your stress levels.
If you do struggle with your stress levels, then working out, even in the slightest way, will help you control your stress levels by triggering your body to release endorphins.