Kickstart your summer fitness plan

Summer is just around the corner, and if you want to feel healthy and energised during the warmest months of the year, it's time to start working on your fitness plan now. However, with so many different workout routines, diets and fitness fads out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we'll share some tips and strategies to help you jumpstart your summer fitness plan and make the most of this season to achieve your health and fitness goals.

How to get fit for summer

With a few months to go, now is the best time to kickstart your summer body fitness plan! By putting the following steps into action now, you will reap the health benefits in time for summer.

1. Set your goals

The first step in creating a summer fitness plan is to map out your goals. Determine what you want to achieve by the time summer arrives - whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle or simply improve your overall health and wellbeing. This will give you a clear idea of what you need to do to reach your goals within the desired time frame.

2. Create a workout plan

Once you've set your targets, it's time to create a workout plan. Choose exercises that motivate you and will help you achieve your goals, such as walking, running or home workouts. Decide on the frequency and duration of your exercise and design a schedule that works for you. It's also important to mix up your workouts to prevent boredom and keep your body challenged.

3. Focus on nutrition

Fitness is not just about working out; it's also about nutrition and portion sizes. Start making healthy choices when it comes to food, such as eating more fruits and vegetables to achieve your five a day, choosing lean protein sources and cutting back on processed foods and sugary drinks. Aim for a balanced diet that provides the nutrients your body needs to support your fitness goals.

4. Make good quality sleep part of your summer body fitness plan

Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, but it's especially important for those who are trying to get in shape. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates tissues and organs, including those that have been stressed during exercise. When you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have enough time to complete these processes, which can impact your performance and recovery. Research suggests that adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support optimal health and function. In addition to getting enough sleep, taking rest days is also essential for recovery.

5. Turn it into a social activity

Having a friend to exercise with can be a great way to stay motivated and on track. Find someone who has similar fitness goals and schedule regular workout sessions together. You can also check in with each other to stay accountable and offer support when needed. To make it even more of a social activity, why not use our LiveWell Finder tool to see what fitness activities are happening in your local area? This is a great way to meet like-minded people and have some fun in an active, sociable environment.

6. Create the ultimate summer workout playlist

Having a summer playlist for your workouts can often provide a powerful motivator during exercise, giving you the extra push you need to keep going and serve as a reminder of why you're putting in the effort to exercise. Summer songs often have a fun and upbeat vibe, which can make your workouts feel less repetitive or monotonous. Additionally, hearing a particular song can trigger positive memories and emotions, which can help to keep you motivated and positive.

7. Stay safe in the sun

As the weather starts to get warmer, it’s important to take precautions to protect your skin and stay hydrated, especially during the hottest times of the day. To keep safe, wear sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reapply it every two hours or after sweating. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help protect your skin and keep you cool. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout to stay hydrated. If possible, try to avoid exercising during the warmest parts of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm and choose shady areas to exercise.

8. Celebrate your progress

As you work towards your summer fitness goals, be sure to celebrate your progress along the way. It's important to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements as you work towards your targets, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating certain milestones can give you a sense of accomplishment that will help to boost your confidence and keep you on track as the weather starts to heat up.

How LiveWell Dorset can help

We hope this article has inspired you to start thinking about your own summer fitness plan. If you would like to find out more about how LiveWell Dorset can help you stay fit and active in the lead up to summer, why not register or contact us today. Our expert team of advisors and wellness coaches are here to help you every step of the way. You can also check out some of the fantastic tools and resources available on our website, including the Are You Living Well quiz, designed to provide fun but valuable insights into your general health and wellbeing.

We've supported thousands of people across Dorset live healthier, happier lives and we’d love to help you too!