The holidays are long gone now, and many people are keen to get back into shape for the summer season. With a little bit of consistent effort, you can be on your way to a slimmer body and improved health.
Do home bodyweight exercises
Exercise is essential for getting into shape, but it doesn’t have to be very strenuous. Twenty minutes a day of moderate intensity bodyweight exercises, which can be done in your own home, will increase muscle mass, tone your body, and burn fat. To begin, try pushups, crunches, squats, lunges, and calf raises. With everything from working in manual labor to sitting behind a computer in an office all day long, one can well expect back pain to pop up now and then, especially when most of us go home only to watch movies and play games online as well. Begin to incorporate more advanced moves once you get comfortable. There are different bodyweight exercises you can try, depending on your desired level of intensity and which parts of your body you want to target.
Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat
Rather than focus on eating less calories, simply add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. This will naturally decrease your caloric intake, while increasing your nutritional intake. When your diet is based on foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, your appetite is naturally suppressed because your body is satisfied and fulfilled.
Drink more water
The average American is dehydrated without even knowing it. Cut back on the coffee to one cup a day and set a goal for yourself to drink at least two liters of water per day. This will actually improve your energy levels, despite the reduction of caffeine, because your body will be getting the hydration it requires, allowing all your cells to function optimally. Additionally, drinking more water can flush out toxins and excess sodium that, when stuck in the body, can cause lethargy and bloating. Drinking ice water will force your body to burn more calories to keep your body temperature in check. If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding chopped cucumber, mint, strawberries, or citrus. There are a lot of positive effects from drinking enough water, and your body will surely thank you for it.
Get more sleep
Sleeping more might not intuitively seem like it will help you to get into shape, but stay with me! You get fitness benefits from sleeping, so make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to a whole host of health issues, beginning with stress, lack of concentration, and even depression. Having a clear mind and a focus on your goals is essential for getting in shape. Getting enough sleep will also help you form better habits.
Remember your goals
It is easy to work out and eat healthy for a week. The challenge is to keep your motivation high long term. If you follow these tips, you should begin to see improvements in your fitness quickly, but try to think of your new habits as a brand new healthy lifestyle, not just a quick fix. Consider writing your goals down in a journal or on your calendar and finding a fitness buddy to exercise with, so you can motivate each other! Remember, sustainable fitness is a result of good health. Take care of yourself and the results will come.