Shape Up for Summer!

The warm weather of summer is finally here. There’s plenty to be excited about, but a lot of guys feel like they still need a little work before hitting the beach. Shedding those extra pounds and getting toned can be a tricky venture, especially given all the fun that summer can bring. Still, there are a few things that all guys can do to ensure that they get back to the fit shape they’re looking for.

It’s time to shape up for summer. Here are a few tips to push you in the right direction.

Make the Gym a Priority

Hitting the gym on a regular basis can be easier said than done. Everyone knows that it’s a relative cakewalk once you get there, but the hardest part is actually getting off the couch and leaving. Consistency is key with any fitness routine, and if you only find yourself motivated to hit the gym once or twice a week, you’re not likely to see any progress. A lot of people find that the best time to hit the gym is before work, and if you can make the time, you’ll be ready to take on the workday with an entirely new attitude. The bottom line, though, is to find a time that works best for you each day and stick to it at least five days per week.

Stop Partying So Hard

Summer is no doubt a great time for partying, but that endless supply of beer is going to add up in your midsection. People often wonder why they’re gaining weight while maintaining normal eating habits. Everyone is different, but the culprit can often be found in sweet, sweet alcohol. As much fun as you’re having, you’re never going to get into the kind of shape you’re looking for if every single night is a party. Try to restrict your drinking to 1-2 nights per week tops, as otherwise, you’ll be fighting against the tide to keep the pounds off.

Maintain the Right Diet

“Dieting” is one of the worst things that someone who is trying to lose weight should ever consider. The success rates for crash diets and the like are extremely low, often resulting in people binging on calories just to regain some kind of stability. Instead, you should be focusing on eating healthy, energy-rich foods that won’t leave you feeling as if you’ve just taken in an entire bowling ball. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the plethora of fresh vegetables that are finally available once again, and as long as you avoid eating fast food, you’ll already be on the right track. A word of advice — stick to foods that contain ingredients you’re actually familiar with, avoiding laundry lists of scientific words at all costs.

Getting into shape is a process that doesn’t necessarily happen overnight, but every day of progress counts. The sooner you can get started, the closer you’ll be to finally getting into shape and enjoying the summer to its fullest.

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