Tips for Getting in the Best Shape This Winter

Introduction

It’s time to build a summer body during the winter. When it’s cold outside, this is the chance to shed those extra pounds, tone flabby muscles, and get your body beach ready for summer. The American Academy of Personal Trainers agrees that getting a healthy body takes time, determination, and discipline to reach your goals.

Wishing for a fitter body won’t get us into shape. If you want to get in shape this year, start these habits right away. If you’re ready to work hard, slash unhealthy practices, and kickstart your fitness routine, there’s still time to make your dreams happen.

Five Simple Tips for Getting in the Best Shape This Winter

Get into the best shape of your life this summer with these top 5 tips…

1. Hydrate

Drinking lots of water is important when you’re trying to get into shape for the summer. Our bodies are made up of two-thirds of water. Staying hydrated not only keeps your body healthy, but it can also help you lose weight.

Experts recommend drinking at least 8 cups of water per day. A hydrated body will give you more energy to exercise, improve your digestive system, and flush out toxins from fat loss.

One of the best ways to ensure that you stay hydrated on a busy schedule is to fill up a large water bottle with fluids such as water or green tea. Green tea not only has important nutritional benefits, but it speeds up the metabolism to help your body burn fat. Being mindful about staying hydrated goes a long way towards achieving a fitter body. You can also implement isoflex protein powder and make yourself a protein shake to prevent muscle loss and they may even help increase muscle mass during weight loss.

2. Watch Your Diet

Next, you’ll want to pay attention to nutrition. What you put in your body can either undermine your health and pack on the pounds, or it can help burn calories and support your overall health.

It’s no secret that it’s hard to stick to a long-term diet. That’s why it’s important to understand why it’s crucial to think of it as swapping your favorite foods for healthy alternatives. Instead of starving yourself on a restrictive diet, you’ll be able to eat all of the healthy food options that you want.

Boost fat loss and muscle building by consuming plenty of lean protein from fish, turkey, chicken, and lean beef. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Replace them with a rainbow of fruits and veggies.

Carbs can be one of the biggest obstacles in the path to getting into shape. That’s because starchy foods are typically high-glycemic, which means that foods like white potatoes, white bread, cookies, cake, or chips break down into sugars fast and spike your insulin levels.

It’s important to control your starchy carbs by eating fiber-rich foods and meal prepping to avoid fatigue-induced carb splurges.

3. Get More Sleep

Everyone knows that sleep is essential for health, but most people aren’t getting enough rest every night.

When we get enough sleep, our bodies can recover and function optimally. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to recharge your mind and energize your body.

4. Ramp Up Your Exercise Routine

If you want to get into the best shape for this summer, you won’t want to neglect regular, vigorous exercise.

It’s a good idea to switch up your exercise routine to keep your metabolism burning and prevent your weight loss from plateauing. One of the best ways to do this is to change up your exercises by interchanging cardio sessions with stretching and strength training.

When you exercise is also important. Many people wait until the end of the day to exercise but then aren’t able to do it due to fatigue or other responsibilities. Instead, try getting up early to run, cycle, sprint, or do a workout session at home or at the gym. You’ll not only feel inspired to push yourself, but your body will start to show results.

5. Try Intermittent Fasting

If all else fails and you’re having trouble shifting some stubborn pounds, consider switching up your metabolism by practicing intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting doesn’t mean starving yourself. It can also look different for different people. Intermittent fasting is a way to kickstart a sluggish metabolism. If you have a low-activity day, consider stopping eating at noon, getting plenty of rest, practicing low-impact exercises such as yoga, and drinking lots of fluids.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a long way or a short distance from your goal, getting into shape isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and discipline.

The good news is that getting into shape during the winter to look and feel like your best self by summer is a very achievable goal.

Keep your head in the game and remember that staying focused on your goals, even when the going gets tough, will reap rewards for you in the end.

About Theresa Duncan

Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.