Summer’s almost here, along with shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, and other clothes that show off your summer body. If you’re struggling with the motivation to get in shape for summer, you’re not alone. In Tulsa, it can be tough to get out of the cold-weather slump.
Here are 5 tips for ramping up your workouts and getting ready for summer. Incorporate these into your workouts for the next 6 to 8 weeks, and you’ll feel ready to bare your summer body.
1- Seek Some Friendly Competition
Get a boost of motivation by setting a goal or signing up for a competition. For example, commit to doing a community 5K walk/run in a few months, or sign up for a charity dance-off with a friend.
Research shows that friendly competition is a great motivator toward fitness. The key is to set a goal that’s not too high-pressure or unrealistic. If you spent the winter on the couch, don’t sign up for a marathon – It will only bring feelings of dread.
Choose something that’s at your fitness level or just a bit beyond. Have fun with it, and you’ll make great progress toward your ideal summer body.
2- Find the Picture of Health
Is there a photo or motivational quote that makes you feel inspired? Put it in a place that will give you a daily jolt of fitness inspiration. Maybe it’s an Instagram shot of a celebrity or a picture of yourself from a happy time. Here are some great spots to put a motivational photo:
- As your phone’s background
- In the dresser with your workout clothes
- Next to the couch where you tend to laze around
- On a keychain
- Tucked into your wallet
- On the night table next to your bed
3- Set Micro-Goals
Don’t just focus on one huge goal, like getting six-pack abs or losing a certain amount of weight. Success comes from reaching lots of little goals – or micro-goals – along the way.
If you’re coming out of a winter slump, “not stopping” can be a great micro-goal. Tell yourself you’ll work out for 20, 30, or 45 minutes without stopping, and stick to it.
Remember to celebrate accomplishing small goals, because each one is important. Just texting a friend, “I did it! 30 straight minutes!” can feel like a big accomplishment if your goal is to build workout endurance.
4- Schedule a Reward
Rewards are proven motivators for people who struggle to get enough exercise. You can reward yourself with all kinds of healthy things: new running shoes, a mini-vacation, a spa day, home gym equipment, or something else you’ve been craving.
One thing is for sure: Rewards work much better than punishments. Don’t tell yourself, “I’m not allowed to have a glass of wine until I work out for 10 days straight.” Penalizing yourself or denying yourself things usually has a negative effect, making you want them even more.
5- Connect With a Personal Trainer
One of the best ways to develop a fit summer body is to make an appointment with a personal trainer. A trainer can help you set realistic, motivational goals that support total body health.
Talk to your trainer about where you’d like to be fitness-wise in 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and going forward into the summer. When you have a clear goal in mind, a trainer can work with you to create an action plan for success.
Schedule a free session at Elite Training Tulsa now, and take a first step toward achieving your ideal summer body.