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Giving your body and mind a chance to rest and recover is just as important as your workout schedule.
When summer rolls around we all want to look good and feel even better. Think hitting the beach, shooting hoops with the kids – and enjoying the million-and-one ways to stay active in the great outdoors. Cue our super-easy motivational hacks, guaranteed to have you ready to dive full speed into all the summer has to offer!
G is for GOALS
Write. Them. Down. Like now. Think of goals you can track, revisit, and then celebrate key milestones. The aim is to set measurable, short-term goals that are achievable with your current schedule. Examples here may include:
- Going for a walk every morning before work
- Incorporating short running intervals
- Swimming a few laps in your local pool or ocean
- Completing three resistance sessions a week
- Drinking two litres of water per day
- Capping coffee at one cup per day
- Meatless Mondays
- Switching off technology one hour before bed to assist in regenerative sleep.
Get a workout buddy
We've all had those mornings we would have hit snooze if we hadn't made plans to workout with a friend. You might not schedule every workout together, but a little support on your fitness journey goes a long way. Share healthy recipes, keep each other accountable and most important - have fun!
Treat yo'self
The brain responds to rewards (aka the pleasure response) - a great reason to strategically plan small perks throughout your fitness journey. These can be as small as grabbing a coffee from your fave cafe after your morning workout, to purchasing those new-release runners once you've hit a milestone. Explore Footwear.
Mix it up
With so many resources available, there's no reason your workouts ever have to be monotonous or boring. With access to fitness apps like iFit and our fab summer weather - enjoying a massive workout variety from HIIT to spin, all the way to earthing on a beach walk has never been easier.
You can also get creative with your fitness accessories for a diverse gym experience at home. Here are a few multi-uses for the humble dumbbell.
- Squats: hold in front of torso for an added core workout.
- Lunges: hold by the side of thighs.
- Russian twists: hold in front of torso.
- Side planks: hold in outstretched hand.
- Glute bridges: rest on hip bones.
- Donkey kicks: hold behind the knee.
Dress for success
Set yourself up with a few killer workout outfits that make you feel fab, with support where you need it most. You want the right shoes with the best functionality for your chosen workout, and breathable clothes that offer function with a side of fashion (if that's your vibe). When you're feelin' yourself in your new workout threads, you'll look forward to every sweat sesh.
Rest. Reboot. Recover.
Giving your body and mind a chance to rest and recover is just as important as your workout schedule. Here are a few tips to help keep them both in super-fine summer shape.
- Foam rollers are a great way to release muscle tension after a workout, and also unwind the body of an evening before bed. Explore foam rollers.
- Self-massage therapy is a convenient, effective solution for fatigued muscles. Help prevent tightness from escalating into bigger problems by addressing sore areas regularly at home with a massage gun. Explore massage guns.
- Yoga, stretching, deep breathing - this whole family of activity soothes the nervous system and keeps the body flexible to help prevent injury. From a little light stretching to following a quick YouTube yoga sesh, your body and mind will thank you. Explore yoga mats.
Have fun! Perhaps the most important tip of all.