Achieving your summer body isn’t as hard as we think, and usually starts with making simple lifestyle changes. No matter how far you are from your end goal, you need to start NOW! Any successful plan involves a combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are ten fitness and nutrition tips to help you work towards your 2024 Summer Bod goals:
1. Set Realistic Goals: Define clear and achievable fitness goals for the summer. Whether it’s losing a certain amount of weight, building muscle, or improving overall fitness, setting realistic targets is essential.
2. Regular Exercise Routine: Establish a consistent exercise routine that combines cardiovascular activities (e.g., running, swimming) with strength training. Aim for at least 4 workouts per week.
3. Emphasize Weight Training: Incorporate both cardiovascular exercises and strength training into your workouts. Cardio burns calories, while strength training helps build lean muscle mass, boosting metabolism. So if you want your results to stick around long after summer, focus primarily on muscle building. Slow progress is much more sustainable.
4. Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a balanced and nutritious diet. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-calorie snacks.
5. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for overall health and fitness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during workouts. Water helps with digestion, regulates body temperature, and supports energy levels.
6. Reduce Liquid Calories: Drinking alcohol or sugar filled coffee, soda, juices can fill your daily diet with unnecessary and progress killing calories. Alcohol consumption can negatively affect hormone balance and production, as well as sleep and countless other bodily necessary bodily functions. Limit where possible. Celebrate your progress in the summer when we’ve achieved your goal!
7. Limit Added Sugars and Processed Foods: Cut down on foods and beverages high in added sugars. Processed foods often contain hidden sugars and can contribute to excess calorie intake. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
8. Prioritize Protein Intake: Include an adequate amount of protein in your diet to support muscle growth and repair. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based options like tofu and quinoa. Supplements can help, but whole foods are always best.
9. Get Sufficient Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for recovery and overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your body’s ability to repair and rejuvenate.
10. Practice Consistency and Patience: Achieving a summer body is a gradual process. Stay consistent with your exercise routine and healthy eating habits. Understand that results take time and be patient with your progress. The slower the progress often the longer the results. Stay disciplined!
About the Author
happy to introduce you to Brandsway Creative’s newest client, Alex Propson, star of Bravo’s Below Deck Sailing Yacht, and the newest season of Winter House. Alex unintentionally fell into the world of sailing and has recently become a certified captain (and he looks great doing it).
Beyond his reality TV fame, Alex is also a fitness expert, drawing thousands on Instagram broadcasts with his workouts. He’s on a mission to expand his reach and continue connecting with his followers in this way. When he’s not hitting the gym, you’ll find Alex perfecting his grooming routine for those fabulous locks or enjoying the bachelor life.
