Summer is just around the corner and we’re all in the same boat: complexes bring back the fears. After a grey and rainy winter, our bodies are tired and limp. Eureka! Couldn’t a little physical activity be the answer to sculpting your figure?
From the eternal ‘I don’t have the time’ to ‘I don’t have the money’, you always have a poor excuse for not getting your figure under control. As a result, a little voice inside makes you feel guilty and destroys any semblance of motivation you might have had. Don’t let this happen to you! Follow the guide to create a fantastic action plan.
Set realistic goals
You’ve heard this advice a thousand times before. But this is where you need to start if you want to maximise your success. So before you set out your fitness programme, make sure you know exactly what you want to achieve.
First, the WHY of your programme. Think about your expectations and write them down. Do you want to :
- Lose weight?
- Gain muscle?
- Improve your general health?
Once you’ve gone through this phase, set goals that match your abilities and availability. That’s what will keep you motivated! Here are some examples:
- If you’re short on time, do short workouts: sessions of no more than 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week.
- If you’re overweight, choose a programme that doesn’t involve jumping.
- If you are injured or ill, choose swimming or cycling.
- If you’re really overbooked, the Hiit format will be your ally because you can choose the number of exercises you do (3, 5, 10, 15): it involves alternating 1 minute of intense movement with 30 seconds of recovery.
Draw up a suitable training plan
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to draw up a training plan that suits your personal preferences and, above all, your current level of fitness. If you can, ask a health professional or personal trainer to help you design a tailored plan.
The best advice we can give you is to avoid doing only one type of exercise, as this would be a mistake. The ideal is to mix the following 3 exercises, spending more time on the one that best suits your goals:
- Cardio, to work your heart and/or burn fat.
- Strength training, to work your muscles and/or tone your figure.
- Stretching to make your body more flexible and/or to give you a moment of relaxation at the end of your session, so you can start your day with a clear mind or prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Pick the winning combination
Taking the plunge and starting to exercise, even for just 1 hour a week, is a great thing. You’re well on your way to achieving your dream body this summer.
But don’t fall into the trap of making a temporary effort! Do 2 or 3 months of exercise and then nothing. That would be a shame and would force you to start all over again next year.
So to avoid giving up at the end of the summer, here’s the winning combination to stick to:
- A healthy, balanced diet with a few treats here and there will be your best ally in your efforts to get back in shape.
- Drink water throughout the day. It’s essential to support your physical performance, help your muscles recover and keep your skin healthy and glowing. And treat yourself to juices, sugar-free soft drinks and even a few cocktails (in moderation, of course)!
- Give yourself time to rest and recover. This is vital to allow your muscles to rebuild and strengthen, but also to avoid any nasty injuries.
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