As the temperature finally starts to warm up in the UK, you might feel more inclined to get out there and exercise again. However, if you’ve let yourself get a little bit lazy over the past few months thanks to lockdown lethargy, it’s important that you take your time and really think about your fitness rather than going full steam ahead.
So, here are my top tips on getting fit and healthy for the summer months:
Make Small Changes
I always talk about small changes that you can do each day to make a difference. So make an effort to drink more water, get up earlier and do some jumping around before you start your day. Simple tweaks like this can make a huge difference not only to how you look but also to how you feel.
Do An Exercise That You Love
The only way you’re going to stick to exercise is to find a work out that you enjoy – so try out a number of different options from swimming, yoga, running, team sports like netball or tennis or aerobics. It might take a while to find your favourite work out but it’s worth the search!
Exercise With A Buddy
If you exercise with a friend or loved one you’re much more likely to get it done as it makes you accountable for your fitness session. So, whether it’s an online fitness community that you’re signed up to where you can spur each other along, or you’ve got a friend who’s in the same boat as you wanting to get fit for summer, then motivate one another.
Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself
Get into the right mindset and don’t create unachievable goals that will only make you feel bad if you don’t hit them. Please don’t put too much pressure on yourself and go at your own pace. The worst thing you can do is push yourself too hard and pull a muscle so set small achievable targets each week.
Don’t Focus On Weight
As hard as it might be, please avoid the scales – remember exercise should be more about how it makes you FEEL rather than how it makes you look. Looking healthier is just an added bonus.
Don’t Compare
Don’t compare yourself to others; every body type is different. Avoid social media accounts that are triggering or make you feel inadequate.
Listen To Your Body
Listen to your body. If you have any aches or pains, listen to them and react. Don’t push your body too hard when you’re starting out – begin slowly and work up.
Stretch
Stretch – stretching is so important and will make a huge difference to how you feel the next day!
“What’s your favourite summer sport that you love doing in the sunshine?”
About The Author
About Jemma’s Health Hub – Membership to Jemma’s Health Hub is £29 per month and for that you receive five workouts a week taking place on facebook live at 6.30am. (Monday – leg day, Wednesday – arm day, Friday – cardio day, and kettlebells and a yoga class thrown in for good measure!). However, if you can’t make the 6.30am wake up call, you can log in and do it when it suits you.
You also receive a downloadable ‘How To’ guide including over 35 wholesome recipes to try out, as well as a downloadable ‘tick chart’ for you to print up every 4 weeks and stick to the fridge so you can see your progress. But, most importantly, it gives you an amazing support network and an instructor who will be there for you, helping you feel supported and mentally stronger as time goes on.
For more information visit www.jemmashealthhub.com / @jemmas_health_hub (Instagram)