Simple Ways to Get in Shape This Spring

With spring officially here and summer not far behind, it won’t be long before you’re pulling out your shorts, t-shirts and even…the dreaded bathing suit.  If you’d planned on getting in shape over the winter, but that didn’t happen- there’s still time to get in shape this spring before summer hits.

Here are 10 simple tips to start getting into shape this spring courtesy of Yahoo Lifestyle:

1. Set a target

Whether it’s a certain dress size, inches or body fat, set a target for what you hope to achieve. Be sure to make a note of your weight and measurements before you start so that you can see the different that you’re achieving. Sometimes it seems as though nothing is changing, when in actual fact you may have lost an inch and just not realized!

2. Be realistic

Don’t expect to loose 2 pounds in a week, it’s unrealistic and unhealthy. Set a target that you know you can achieve, you’ll feel great when you reach it quickly, and you can always set another!

3. Do something that you enjoy

If the thought of running makes you want to suddenly want to clean the fridge then don’t do it, you’ll only start to dread going for a run. Instead, think about the activities that you already enjoy doing, and see how you can incorporate them into a workout.

4. Eat the right food

Exercise, coupled with the wrong diet, will only put a strain on your body. Choose foods that will compliment your exercise regime. For instance, if you’re lifting weights at the gym and therefore building muscle, eat more protein. Whereas, if you’re starting a Zumba class which is more cardio, eat more carbs.

5. Just start

If you’re serious about getting into shape, then just do it! Don’t wait until Monday; start today! If you’ve decided that you want to change, then start straight away; you may change your mind tomorrow.

6. Be naughty

Don’t suddenly ban chocolate from your diet; it’ll only make you want it more! Set a rule so that you have a chance to indulge. You could say that for one day of the week you can eat whatever you want, or treat yourself to one little naughty treat everyday.

7. Incentive

If you’ve seen a gorgeous dress that you absolutely love in your favorite store, use it as an incentive to help you get into shape. Once you have reached the target that you have set for yourself, you can buy the dress, and hopefully in a smaller size!

8. Get others involved

It can be hard getting into shape when you’re doing it alone, so get a buddy or a group of people together. You can egg each other on and support one another, and you’re more likely to not want to let the other person down.

9. Drink plenty of water

Keeping hydrated is paramount if you have chosen to exercise. Also, sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger and we will eat instead when we actually don’t need to. Here’s a tip; if your mouth feels dry, then you are dehydrated, so drink some water!

10. Think fit!

Our mind is such an amazing thing, that it cannot tell the different between what is right in front of us and what is in our mind. Get rid of any ‘fat thoughts’ and stop thinking about your wobbly bits. Start everyday with an affirmation.

You can do this!