Don't be fooled by the recent return to winter woollies and plummeting temperatures, summer is just around the corner!
With warmer weather and summer holidays approaching, many of us find the prospect of venturing outdoors without our wintry layers daunting; and the thought of donning our beachwear is enough to send us into a tailspin.
It can be a minefield knowing which celebrity diet to follow or whose fitness DVD to buy. We all want to feel confident about our bodies, but often over-exuberance at the beginning of a new regime leaves us feeling more demoralised than ever.
Follow these simple tips to shape up for summer and achieve a more balanced and healthier body, not just for the summer but for the whole year round.
A great way to keep motivated is to jot down what you eat every day and what exercise you have done
SET YOURSELF A GOAL Kick off with a short-term goal to get you started. Choose a suitable 4-6 week Nutrition and Exercise Schedule.
KEEP IT REAL Stick to a plan that includes regular and varied exercise twinned with sensible nutritional advice. Be realistic about your work/life schedule and your fitness ability when formulating your new regime: don't try to go from exercising once a fortnight to five times a week.
STRIKE A BALANCE Many people panic as the summer approaches and try to starve themselves slim. This just slows our metabolism and demoralises us after inevitable binges. Alternatively, many embark on excessive exercise regimes and then struggle to eat sensibly faced with a newfound raging appetite. Don't forget: weight loss is a simple mathematical equation: calories in minus calories out (via exercise) equals number of pounds shed. Try to keep your food intake and exercise output in balance.
KEEP A DIARY A great way to keep motivated is to jot down what you eat every day and what exercise you have done.
KEEP MOTIVATED There is nothing like signing up for an event to keep you motivated. Try training for a fun run or charity walk or cycle. These events may seem daunting but they are often great fun and the feeling of achievement at the end can give a great boost to your training.
JOIN THE CLUB Getting fit alone may make you feel isolated and bored. Try joining a gym or a running or sports club. Although many private gyms involve hefty monthly membership fees, you can find less costly alternatives by shopping around. Many leisure centres boast great facilities, exercise classes and membership packages too. Look out for special joining offers or try negotiating: you may be able to take membership for a limited period of 3-6 months as a 'suck it and see' approach.
BOOK A PERSONAL TRAINING CONSULTATION Why not take a first step to summer fitness by booking a personal training consultation with one of APEX's inhouse personal fitness instructors. We can have a programme specifically tailored to meet your individual needs, which will ensure you reap the maximum reward for your efforts. Plus, the support of a fitness professional is sure to keep you motivated to attain your goals.
THINK LONG-TERM Start with a simple programme but be aware of your long-term aspirations for fitness and general wellbeing. Do you intend to stay fit beyond the bikini season? Staying fit all year you will have untold health benefits and will really improve your self-confidence.