There’s no better season for meeting your fitness goals than summertime. Since summer is a season of transformation, it represents the perfect time to blossom into your best possible self.
When many of us think of getting in shape, we picture ourselves sweating it out at the gym. While there’s a lot to be said for gym workouts, membership fees can be fairly steep, and with the novel coronavirus still presenting a threat, this may not be the best time to return to the gym. Furthermore, some of us simply prefer to exercise by ourselves instead of working out in front of dozens of other people. Fortunately, even if you aren’t a gym person, there are numerous ways you can stay fit at home this summer.
Draw up a Manageable Fitness Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to getting in shape and staying in shape. As such, when beginning your exercise journey, it’s important that you set a manageable schedule and stick to it. Additionally, keep in mind that when it comes to manageable fitness schedules, the operative term is “manageable.” When many of us begin new fitness regimens, our immediate instinct is to set lofty goals and commit to workouts that may not be in line with our current strength and stamina levels. Furthermore, we sometimes resolve to spend more time exercising than our regular schedules allow.
Unsurprisingly, after failing to meet unreasonable workout goals and adhere to demanding exercise schedules, a fair number of people write off fitness altogether. The way these individuals see it, they gave getting fit a shot and it ultimately proved to be beyond their abilities. In the interest of avoiding this, take your current capacity for exercise and daily schedule into account when mapping out a brand-new fitness regimen. Additionally, make a point of setting realistic goals for yourself. Sure, we’d all like to see immediate results from new workout routines, but expecting them is simply unrealistic.
Improve Your Diet
When it comes to maintaining a health-conscious lifestyle, regular exercise and healthy eating go hand in hand. With this in mind, set out to add a bevy of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains to your diet. Although there’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself the occasional junk food indulgence, such foods should not become commonplace in your fridge or pantry. If you fancy yourself a whiz in the kitchen, summer is the perfect time to try your hand at an array of health-conscious recipes. For example, the next time you have a hankering for some grilled burgers or hotdogs, toss some of your favorite fish and veggies on the grill instead. Furthermore, since oven use stands to increase the temperature of your home during months, why not take this opportunity to try out some tasty, nutritious oven-free recipes?
In addition to eating right, make sure to keep a close eye on your digestive health. If you’ve recently found yourself experiencing digestive issues, consult with your doctor about the potential benefits of probiotic supplements.
Create a Dedicated Workout Space
If you have any space to spare in your humble abode, you can benefit from turning it into a makeshift home gym. If you’re a fan of yoga, for instance, an unused room or large closet can be the perfect place to house your mats, towels, blocks and belts. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of strength training, your home workout space can be housed to house assorted weights, lifting benches, body bars and kettle balls.
If you enjoy being entertained while you sweat, consider installing a compact entertainment center in your new fitness space. If working out doubles as an opportunity to catch up on your favorite shows, a wall-mounted television is sure to make a welcome addition to your exercise room. Additionally, if you want to rock out to your favorite tunes while getting in shape, a mini sound system may be right up your alley.
For many people, working out in any setting other than a gym is unthinkable – and frankly, it isn’t hard to see why. After all, if you’ve spent years treating the gym as your sole exercise space, engaging in your favorite fitness activities anywhere else is liable to seem jarring. Still, if you’re looking to save a little money and possess a willingness to embrace change, you’re likely to experience great success with working out at home this summer.
