Are you looking to get back in shape? It is around this time of the year that people find a burst of motivation with the weather improving, people having more energy and people often planning vacations where they will want to look and feel their best. So, what can you be doing to get in shape for the warmer months of the year?
The Benefits of Being Fit & Healthy
First, you should know the benefits of being fit and healthy. In addition to looking great for the photos going on Instagram while on holiday, you will find that being fit and healthy improves both your physical and mental health. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle will help you to maintain a healthy weight, increase muscle definition, improve your skin and prevent health issues from arising. There is also a major mental health benefit to regular exercise as it can reduce stress and anxiety and boost your self-confidence.
Ways to Get in Shape
So, what are the best ways to get in shape? Everyone knows that regular exercise and a healthy diet are key, but it is not always so simple.
Exercise
In terms of exercise, the NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. The key to this is finding an activity (or a few to mix things up) that you enjoy, which should make exercise less of a chore and something that you will stick with. A few ideas for good forms of exercise that can also be fun include:
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Boxing
- Competitive sports
Diet
It is often the diet that people struggle with the most and you cannot outrun a bad diet. Instead of being too strict, you should try moderation as this can make it much easier to control your diet. Additionally, try to cook more meals at home instead of oven meals, fast food and takeout. Invest in a decent set of frying pans and other kitchen equipment and then find healthy recipes that you can cook and will last you throughout the week – this is meal prep and it is an excellent way to improve your diet and free up time each week.
Rest & Sleep
It is often overlooked, but rest and getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night is just as important as regular exercise. Make sure that you have rest days, listen to your body and prioritise getting enough sleep – this can improve your life in many ways.
Hopefully, this post will inspire you and help you to get in good shape for the warmer months.
