Summer is perfect for getting in shape and showing off your hard-earned summer body. But what about when the colder months come, and you’re faced with less motivation to move and stay active?
The good news is that you can do plenty of things to keep your summer body all year long. With a little effort and dedication, you can maintain your fitness levels and even improve upon them! So stop the cycle of summer bodies being made in the winter and keep your summer body all year long.
Here are nine tips to stay fit all year, from simple things like staying hydrated to more complex strategies like weight training for that year-round summer body.
Table of Contents
Eat healthily and portion your meals
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to staying in shape year-round. This means looking for ingredients that are high in fiber and protein but low in fat. When preparing your meals, make sure to portion them correctly so that you’re getting just enough to satisfy your hunger. Eating too much or too little can affect your progress and make it difficult to maintain your summer body all year. Also, try to avoid fried and processed foods or sugary treats. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to get access to nutritious meals since so many healthy meal-prep services are now available. This way, you don’t have to worry about portioning and preparing your meals every day.
Find a workout routine and stick to it
Once you figure out the diet piece of the puzzle, it’s time to focus on exercise. Of course, everyone has different preferences when it comes to working out. Some people prefer weight training, while others may prefer running or even yoga. No matter what type of exercise you choose, ensure that it’s something you can do consistently. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it—even if it’s only 30 minutes a day. Aim to exercise at least three times a week, and add more if you can. If you find yourself getting bored with your routine, switch it up and try something different. Just make sure to stay consistent.
Get enough sleep
Our bodies need adequate rest to function properly, so don’t forget to get enough sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and create a consistent sleep schedule. This will help regulate your body’s hormone levels, improve muscle recovery and help you perform better in your workouts. Not only will getting enough rest help you maintain your summer body all year, but it will also help with your overall well-being. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies produce more cortisol, known as the “stress hormone.” This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and even depression. So, ensure to turn in at a reasonable hour and aim for at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated is an important part of any health and fitness routine. Water helps to replenish lost electrolytes, as well as detoxify your body, and aid in digestion. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and at least eight glasses of water or other beverages that contribute to your hydration. Drinking water will also help keep you full and prevent you from overeating. It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, so make sure to stay hydrated to keep your appetite in check. Drinking water will also help keep you energized and improve your performance in the gym.
Avoid sugary drinks
As much as possible, try to avoid sugary drinks. Sodas, sweetened teas, juices, and energy drinks are high in sugar, calories, and other additives that can hinder your progress. Instead, opt for unsweetened alternatives. If you’re looking for a quick energy boost, try an all-natural energy drink or coffee.
Avoid processed foods
When it comes to eating healthy, it’s best to stick with whole, unprocessed foods. This means eating fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Processed foods like pre-packaged snacks, frozen dinners, and even fast food can be high in calories, added sugar, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. These types of foods may be convenient, but they won’t do much to help you stay in shape. Instead, focus on eating fresh, unprocessed foods. Not only are they healthier, but they also take longer to digest, which keeps you full for longer.
Watch your calorie intake
Even if you’re eating wholesome foods, it’s important to watch your calorie intake. Calculate the amount of calories you need each day to maintain your body weight, and make sure not to exceed that number. To do this, calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and then add 500 calories for maintenance. If you want to lose weight, you’ll need to eat fewer calories than your BMR. However, this depends on your fitness goals, so talk to your doctor or nutritionist for personalized advice.
Exercise regularly
Simply put, there’s no way to keep your summer body all year if you don’t exercise regularly. Cardio and strength training are essential for improving your fitness and maintaining muscle mass. You can even incorporate additional exercises such as HIIT and yoga or pilates to build strength, flexibility, and balance. And don’t forget to warm up before and stretch after your workouts! Performing dynamic exercises like jumping jacks and jogging in place before your workout can help reduce your risk of injury. Stretching afterward will help improve your flexibility and prevent soreness.
Take care of your body
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to take care of your body. This means treating yourself to massages or hot baths to soothe sore muscles or indulging in your favorite activity on rest days. Eating healthy and exercising are important, but so is taking care of your mental health. Make sure to carve out some time each day for yourself. Whether it’s going for a walk in the park or reading a good book, taking a break from your routine can help reduce stress and give your mind a much-needed break. We underestimate the need to rest when it comes to building our summer body.
Conclusion
Maintaining your summer body all year long doesn’t have to be difficult. With these nine tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping yourself healthy and fit for the entire year. Eat nutritious meals, get regular exercise, stay hydrated and make sure to take care of yourself—both mentally and physically. So let this be the last winter you need to prepare your body for summer.
