Seven Sizzling Tips for a Summer Shape Up

Let’s face it, standing out in a crowd with a nice looking body is every woman’s envy and every man’s desire but achieving it can often feel like solving the Rubik Cube blindfolded.

Getting rid those extra pounds doesn’t mean starving yourself, banning carbs or taking HCG.

A motivation boost and a little bit of discipline is all you need. Here are my seven sizzling tips to shape up your body this summer.

1.       Set Goals – You must define your goals by taking one step at a time.  Set simple targets and realistic time frames. For example, losing 30 pounds in 30 days could be impossible yet dropping a jean size in 30 days is far more possible and will make you feel on top of the world. Be patient because it is a gradual process.  Remember you didn’t gain 30 pounds in a month so what makes you think you can lose 30 pounds in a month!

2.       A Clean Diet and Plenty of Water - Before you start your fitness and weight loss goals, take a look at what you are eating and especially what you are not. To maintain good health, boost your metabolism, fuel your workouts and recover you will be require to eat smart not less. Stay away from fast foods and fried foods. Design all your meals from fresh ingredients, including lean meats, plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Look at portion sizes, do not exceed your daily allowances and eat five to six small meals per day with the last meal three hours before you go to bed. Some experts believe you can estimate the amount of water you need by taking your weight in pounds and dividing that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces you may want to drink each day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you might want to drink at least 80 ounces of water per day.

3.       Group Training and the Great Outdoors - Whether you want to hit it hard or start out fresh with your fitness program, fitness boot camps, outdoor running or walking and training groups are very popular in the United States. Group training programs are great for burning fat, raising your metabolism, and eating away at unwanted pounds. Group training is also a great way to network and is a ton of fun. Plus, you leave feeling like a million bucks!

4.       Motivate Yourself - Motivation comes from within.  You must motivate yourself with daily affirmations when you feel like giving up and believe me you will feel like giving up at times.  Use the “I am” factor by telling yourself “I am strong!”  “I am victorious!” And “I am more than a conqueror!”  Leave notes and bits and pieces around the home; for example, pictures of the jeans you want to fit into, a mentor or person you aspire to be like. Reward yourself at the end of the week if you hit all goals with one meal of your choice; anything! This will also help you fight off cravings. Call it your cheat meal and enjoy it!

5.       Positive Influences - Working out with like-minded people within group training can inspire you to work harder and to push yourself that little bit more. Also cut your “haters” lose and mix socially with people who are going to support you and make sure you talk about your successes and what you do. You can be a positive influence to others, offering encouragement and support, which will in turn drive you on to higher heights.

6.       Consistency - This is very important to your success and in some ways maybe more important than the workouts themselves. Quite simply, people who don’t miss their workout sessions every time succeed, while those who “fake it” look for excuses not to train.  Being steadfast and adhering to an exercise program works and the rewards will blow you and others away. If you struggle with this, try finding a workout partner because it is much harder to let someone else down.

7.   Rest & Relaxation - Proper rest, relaxation and sleep are all important if you want to reach your goals. A full eight hours sleep and time to chill out from work, busy lifestyles and stress, will allow your body to recover, especially from those hard workouts. I also recommend a nice massage to relieve your aching body. Whatever you choose, give your body time to recover and reward yourself because you deserve it.