Can you feel it? The winds are warmer, the days are longer and that can only mean one thing… summer! If you’re like many of us, one of your goals is to get in shape for summer. You’re also probably wondering what’s the best way to accomplish your goals. If you’re trying to get into that bathing suit you’ve been staring at in the closest all winter long, then this is the blog for you. We have all the best tips and tricks for getting in shape this spring so you can hit the beach with confidence. So set down that soda and let’s get ready to burn some calories.
Nutrition is everything
Fitness experts like to say, “You can’t outrun a bad diet.” The reality is if you want to get fit, you’re going to have to change your relationship with food. Remember losing weight is a simple equation of calories in and calories out. One way to think of it is this; you lose weight at the table and gain fitness with exercise.
Don’t over think your food. Eat lots of veggies, drink lots of water, avoid a lot of carbs and eat good quality proteins. Finally, don’t forget to leave those empty calories behind….yes that means the candy bar. Ok now that we are eating better let’s check out these fad diets.
Fad diets are just that
Keto, Atkins, and South Beach diets are all well and good, but at the end of the day experts have long warned that diets are a temporary fix. While many people will successfully shed a few pounds on one of these fad diets the long-term outlook is bleak. The bottom line is the research shows the effects don’t last. Forget the fads and look to focusing on a solid, consistent nutrition plan that you can apply to your lifestyle and goals.
Let’s get moving.
Now that we have your nutrition sorted out it’s time to get moving… literally. Remember to check with your doctor if you are just starting to exercise. It is also important to take an easy in the beginning. If you do too much to fast you risk injury. Try incorporating into your schedule at least forty minutes of exercise a day four days a week. Don’t over think this, just start with something easy like a forty minute walk, bike ride, or go swimming. Yoga is an excellent exercise with many health benefits that you are sure to enjoy.
Weights are your friend
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking in order to lose weight you have to get on the treadmill and just grind away. In fact, the easiest thing you can do for your overall fitness is lifting weights. Don’t worry we aren’t talking about making you a bodybuilder. Lifting weights burns more calories per hour then running. Weight lifting increases bone density and keeps your body burning calories for hours after your workout.
YouTube is your friend
Everybody loves YouTube. Instead of watching your favorite cat videos, take advantage of all the great workout videos. No matter what your skill level is there are videos for you. From at home Yoga videos to gym workouts virtually every topic is available. Yoga is great for folks who don’t have access to a gym or might feel intimidated when they first start out. Problem solved! Workout at home. Check out this video for a little inspiration.
Find little ways to stay active
There are all sorts of ways to stay active throughout your day. Remember the goal is to burn calories and stay moving. A couple of easy ways to stay moving are by parking at the outer edges of the parking lot or take the stairs instead of the elevator. If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time make sure to take a few minutes every hour to do a lap around the office to keep your blood moving.
Incorporate fitness into your vacation.
Vacations are all about relaxing. Ocean Isle Beach is the perfect place to do just that. With our miles of pristine beaches, local activities, and regionally central location, it’s easy to let the days drift away. However, incorporating a little fitness into your week is also easy. After all, you want to be able to indulge in a few of the local treats and seafood… right? One of the easiest things to do is go for a walk on the beach. Everyone loves a walk on the beach, and the sand offers more resistance than walking on pavement. This will help burn even more calories. Don’t forget kayaking, surfing, swimming, and cycling are all great exercises that are both fun and excellent for your overall fitness.
Now that you are in shape, shredding those calories and have that perfect bathing suit picked out, now it is time to pick your Ocean Isle Beach vacation home. Unlike staying on a strict diet or sticking with an exercise routine, finding your Ocean Isle Beach vacation home is easy. How? All you need to do is give us a call at 800-727-9222 or click the button below and you’ll find the home that is ideal for your family.
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