We’ve all seen the swimsuits out and the Spring Break gear in full stock, which means the panic has begun. Whether you have your own personal countdown or are just wanting to look great in your new swimsuit, time is ticking away and we need all the fitness inspiration we can get. Not only does getting healthy benefit your body, but it helps battle those winter blues, get your sleeping schedule on track and rid your body of all the toxins we’ve accumulated over winter break.
First things first: start with a plan. Most people don’t realize how much extra time in our life we spend doing who-knows-what, and now is the time to find out. Break down your weekly schedule into timed blocks and find out where your extra time falls. Once you’ve pinpointed your free time throughout the week, you can begin to write in your gym time, yoga, meal planning and so on.
Here are some inspirational tips, tricks, and motivational ideas for your Spring Break plan.
1. Find the workout that works for you.
There are so many opportunities to get your heart rate up that are also exciting and awesome to get involved with. Some examples of a few fun activities are dancing, hula-hooping, hiking, rock wall climbing, yoga, swimming or just riding your bike instead of driving. The main idea here is to just enjoy what you’re doing to workout so that you keep wanting to come back for more. Some people simply dedicate time to dance in their room for a solid hour, so turn on some music and enjoy breaking a sweat.
2. Grab a buddy.
One of the most helpful tips I could give to anyone is to pair up and have a good time. The extra support and encouragement is sure to keep you motivated. Plus who doesn’t have a little bit of a competitive side? Having a buddy can allow you to push yourself to your limits and you’ll do the same for them. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Plus you can complain to them about how sore you are the next day and usually they’ll feel your pain too. A 2012 study found that subjects exercised longer when they worked out alongside someone they believed was more fit than they were.
3. Make a schedule that you can stick to.
Getting yourself to the gym or wherever is only the first step. Creating a detailed workout plan to tailor to your own specific needs is the exciting part. Time to do some research and find out what is best for you. You are your own personal trainer so you have to create a system that works with your lifestyle and also helps you reach your goals. Although you don’t get paid with money, you’ll be rewarded with health and happiness.
4. Make an healthy food plan as well.
It’s time to clean out the junk food and replace it with the good stuff and the real stuff. If you haven’t already, start a healthy eating board on Pinterest and get lost in all of the mouth-watering recipes that are surprisingly super healthy. There are so many foods that you can replace with healthy options that will help you feel great through every workout and throughout the day.
5. Create a reward system.
Whether it’s treating yourself with a cute headband after two weeks of working out or getting your nails done after a month of hard work, giving yourself the extra motivation never hurt anyone. Sometimes you just have to treat yourself.
6. Download these apps to help keep you on track through your progress.
Fitocracy: A community of fitness coaches, nutrition experts and other people in the same situation as you striving for a healthier and happier lifestyle. Track your progress as you work as a community towards a similar goal.
Argus: This app tracks everything in your life, every step, stride, bite, sip, pound and snore. A health diary with little commitment to filling it out.
Map My Fitness: Want to record every detail of your workout to manage progress and know when to up your reps? Well, this is the app for you!
LoseIt!: A calorie tracking app that helps find a weight loss plan just for you. Adjust your specifics such as weight, height and your overall goal and it’ll send you on the right track.
My Fitness Pal: Another calorie tracking app, but with the benefits of calculating nutritional contents and info so you can manage your fat, protein, carbs, sugar, fiber and cholesterol intake.
Fooducate: Have trouble grocery shopping? Then this app will work in your favor, giving you detailed information about what you are buying by simply scanning the bar code. And even better, if the nutritional value isn’t that great, it’ll give you other suggestions to buy instead.
Healthy Out: Out for lunch and don’t know what to get? Let Healthy Out help you make the right choice that won’t have you leaving feeling guilty and bloated.
7. Get Inspired through Instagram and follow these accounts.
FitFluential Fitness, health & wellness community. Social network of online influences.
Heidi Somers : Customized workout/meal plans available.
Nikki : Custom meal and fitness plans available!