The summer is almost on our doorstep. I know it doesn’t feel that way, but it’s true.
That’s because if you want people to call you an overnight success come late June and early
July, you want to start putting in the work now.
Swimsuit season is, like, three and a half months away. For argument’s sakes, let’s settle on that number.
If you don’t like the way you look in a swimsuit – or even less clothing – at present, there’s still time to do something about it.
Three and a half months is enough time to make a serious impact on your body, both esthetically and otherwise.
We’ll attack it in three ways: weight training, increased walking and tighter nutrition.
First thing you should do to make the changes you want to make is to get into the gym and lift heavy things. Weight training promotes a metabolic system that is working 24 hours a day. It’s seriously good business for your swimsuit goals.
Next, we are going to think about increasing our cardiovascular output. Great news for you, though. It doesn’t have to be a 10-kilometer run to be an effective movement goal. Instead, a brisk, daily 30-minute walk can bear a lot of fruit. The more steps you take in a day, the more calories you will burn.
Third, we’re going to think about tightening up our nutrition. More fibre and complex carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables), more protein (chicken, eggs, chickpeas and lean beef) and fewer simple starches (sugary treats, snacks and bread) are the recipe for success.
There’s an old expression among fitness professionals that says, ‘abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym.’
You have to burn the fat off your midsection in order to see the muscles come out. It won’t matter how many crunches and planks you do.
And, the hits just keep on coming.
Unfortunately, you cannot ‘spot reduce’ fat off your body. I’ve had some clients say they want to do 50 minutes of abs, or 50 minutes of inner thigh exercises in order to get rid of the fat on that part of their bodies.
That just does not happen.
Not possible. Can’t do it. Nope.
But what you can do is take action now, and that overnight success you are hoping to become in the summer months can be fostered this week. Not sure where to begin? Consult with a fitness professional like myself, and/or meet up with a dietitian or nutritionist in the community and begin your journey today.
What’s the best activity? Proactivity.
--This post was originally published in Iori:wase on February 29, 2024