How to get beach body ready: Tips to get into shape for summer

It’s time to start thinking about getting beach body ready and into shape for summer.

Pre summer is the time of year, besides the new year, where gyms see an increase in members.

We revive and start using our old gym membership card. We scour Pinterest boards looking for workout ideas we can do at home.

As it dawns on us that the comfy track pants we have been hiding in for the past months need to be packed away, we all suddenly start the newest diet.

We know that bikini season is well on its way and that often causes some distress. The good news is that you still have some time to get beach-ready and we are going to provide some tips to get your butt into gear.

We are also aware that the best offence is a good defence so instead of relying on the madcap 6 week slim down plans and detox diets that rear their ugly heads at this time of year, we suggest getting a head start and get working out and eating right sooner rather than later.

It is true summer bodies are made in winter. Here are some things you can do to get beach body ready.

Start your exercise regime now

There are hundreds of single line motivational quotes about taking the plunge and getting starting.

• There is no time like the present.
• You are already lapping the person on the couch.
• Do it now and your body will thank you later.

Add a fitness image, pin to Pinterest and you are good to go.

Sarcasm aside, there is truth in this. Start now and you will have a far easier time getting into shape for summer.

You will be more likely to build consistency and sustainable habits instead of scrambling for a quick fix that often backfires.

The detox tea’s and low carb, high spring water diets hardly ever deliver what they promise and are often very unhealthy.

These diets are also miserable to follow, can create distorted relationships with food and are usually so demanding we never adhere to them anyway.

Set small exercise and food goals

Start small and set manageable and attainable goals.

Most people get overly excited to get into shape and often go out guns ablaze. While we applaud your enthusiasm we suggest starting slow and building things up.

For instance, if you are new to exercise you could aim to do three workouts a week.

Your next goal could be to add an extra 2000 steps a day to that.

Make small tweaks to your diet

Building on the concept above and making small adjustments to reap the most rewards, look to make small changes to your current diet.

Eliminating major food groups or slashing your calorie intake drastically is bound to set you up for failure. And even if you are successful, these methods are never sustainable.

Keep a food journal and log what you eat for a couple of days. Use this to highlight any small changes that you can make to improve on each meal.

If you are eating a muffin every morning for breakfast, substitute that out for something a bit healthier.

If you drink a glass of wine every night, limit it to two – three times a week instead.

These small changes can start you along the path to getting that beach body you are looking for without resorting to drastic actions.

Portion control

To lose weight you need to burn more calories than you eat.

A good starting point to create a balanced meal and eating plan for yourself is to use your hand as a measuring tool.

Your palm will determine the amount of protein you should eat. Ladies should aim for one palm serving and males two palm servings.

Your fist will determine how much vegetables you should eat. A single fist-size serving for women and two for males.

Males should aim for two cupped handfuls of carbohydrates and females a single cupped handful.

Fats can be measured by using your thumb. One thumb serving for females and two for males.

If you stay fairly consistent you will create a good baseline and eating plan that can be modified to help you lose weight by simply adding or subtracting food.

Train effectively

The most effective workout is one you enjoy because you will be far more likely to stick to it.

But if you are looking to maximise your time in the gym without actually spending hours in there, you should look at incorporating strength training or High-Intensity Interval training to your routine.

There are numerous benefits to both which we have covered in Ten things that will happen to you when you start lifting weights and Ten quick beginner workouts that you can do anywhere – in any space.

Strength training gives you far more bang for your buck than just doing cardio and can get you looking a bikini-ready within a shorter time frame.

HIIT is great for those of you who are limited on time or even equipment. These quick routines will save you time and give you a full body workout with great results.

So time to get moving and put away those track pants and ugg boots. Summer is around the corner and the beach is calling. It is time to show off your beach body.