5 tips to get in shape for the summer

It’s amazing what a bit of sunshine and optimism can do to the soul – and our fitness levels! If you want to lose weight, tone up and get fit, there are some great tips below…

It’s never easy to exercise in winter when it’s dark, cold and miserable outside. As the weather improves, so do our moods, and the extra energy gives us a gentle push towards a healthier lifestyle. But don’t go at it hell-for-leather! A rigorous exercise regime and strict diet will leave you exhausted and at risk of injury. Start slowly and build up to better health. It’s also important to support your body with a good diet and the right vitamins and supplements . If your appetite becomes suppressed or you take up a new diet, they are more important than ever.

Glucosamine is particularly good when exercising frequently and upping the intensity of your workouts. It protects and strengthens the joints, repairs cartilage and eases that achy feeling after a session at the gym. Exercise is great for bone density, but a daily dose of Vitamin D will provide protection against future bone loss too. With a balanced diet and sensible exercise routine, you’ll be ready for anything - rain or shine. But if you need extra inspiration to stay healthy, these tips will help you get fit, lose weight and tone up for summer…

1 Set realistic goals

It’s easy to get enthusiastic about your fitness when the sun is out, but it’s also important to be realistic. Start slowly by heading for a brisk 15-20-minute walk and try to make it part of your everyday activity.

2 Buddy up

Make the most of longer evenings by meeting a friend in the park for a low-intensity jog . Invest in a heart rate monitor as well. They’re cheap, easy to use and a great way to measure your fitness level without splashing out on a personal trainer.

3 Eat well and stay hydrated

Next time you’re about to put something in your mouth, ask yourself how nutritional it is. Even with exercise, we need to watch our diets. Dehydration can make you irritable and decrease the productivity of your exercise so always drink lots of water.

4 Start a hobby

Losing weight and toning up can be fun, so why not get involved in a new activity? Join a Zumba dance class, take up running or buy a skipping rope to workout in your garden. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore!

5 Ease the impact

Don’t exercise every day – it’s not good on your body, particularly your joints. Allow time to recover, stretch well, and take a Glucosamine supplement - essential to help aching joints. Vitamin D supports healthy muscle function too.

By Gina Hemmings, a qualified personal trainer and has been at the heart of the health industry for more than 13 years.