As the summer months are headed our way, many of us have started to plan some fun activities and are probably gearing up to hit the beach or enjoy outdoor activities.
Getting in your best shape for summer isn’t only about physical exercise and dieting; it’s also about cultivating the right mindset and creating long-term lifestyle habits. I believe there are no quick fixes, and just like everything else we are anxious to achieve, it begins in the mind.
Here are 20 supportive tips you need to get in your best shape this summer:
1. Set Clear Goals
Before diving into what you want for your fitness journey, define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s losing a certain amount of weight, building muscle, improving your endurance, or having the desire to feel more confident, laying out specific goals will keep you focused and motivated. Just as with all other goals, it will make them more powerful when you write them down.
2 Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Remember that achieving your ideal summer body is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Our bodies change as we age. Other setbacks and circumstances can also affect our fitness progress. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and don’t get discouraged when things become difficult. Consistent effort over time is what leads to lasting results. If you feel like you didn’t make the best choices one day, don’t let that turn into a month of poor choices. Try to get yourself back on a path to success.
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3. Adopt a Growth Mindset
Approach your fitness journey with a growth mindset, believing that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. I have seen many people try to convince themselves that because they are “older,” they think that getting in shape can no longer be obtained. It’s important to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself throughout your fitness journey. Don’t beat yourself up over occasional slip-ups or setbacks. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Guilt will always get in the way of growth, so it’s important to accept the mishap and then get back to your best work.
5. Visualize Success
Visualize yourself achieving your fitness goals and imagine how it will feel to be in your best shape for summer. When you want to give up or find it hard to keep going because the progress isn’t happening for you fast enough, remember why you started and use visualization techniques to stay motivated and focused on your objectives.
Try this to create a clear mental image: close your eyes and visualize yourself at your ideal fitness level. Picture yourself with toned muscles, radiant skin, and abundant energy, enjoying your favorite summer activities with confidence and ease.
6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Surround yourself with friends, family, or a fitness community that supports your goals and encourages your progress. A strong support system can provide motivation, accountability, and inspiration during challenging times. Be extremely mindful of who your inner circle is. Our close friends can often offer comfort, but we may need to be challenged. Make sure your friends know that you are taking your goals seriously. It’s important not to be persuaded otherwise.
7. Stay Consistent
Consistency is critical to achieving your fitness goals. Make exercise and healthy eating a regular part of your routine, even when you don’t feel like it. Small, consistent actions add up to significant results over time. On the days that feel overwhelming, you can still show up for yourself in small ways. Those baby steps still compile substantial results.
8. Focus on Health, Not Just Appearance
Shift your focus from achieving a particular look to improving your overall health and well-being. Remember that being in shape is about more than aesthetics; it’s about feeling strong, energized, and confident in your body.
9. Embrace Variety
Keep your workouts exciting and enjoyable by incorporating a variety of activities into your fitness routine. Try different types of exercise, such as strength training, cardio, yoga, or outdoor sports, to prevent boredom and keep your body challenged.
10. Practice Mindful Eating
Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and eat mindfully rather than mindlessly. Choose nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and support your fitness goals but also allow yourself to enjoy occasional treats in smaller portions and moderation.
11. Focus on What You Can Control
Instead of fixating on factors beyond your control, such as genetics or the opinions of others, focus on the things you can control, such as your attitude, effort, and behavior. Direct your energy towards actions that move you closer to your goals.
12. Set Realistic Expectations
Be realistic about the time and effort required to achieve your fitness goals. Set achievable milestones along the way, and be patient with yourself as you progress. Rather than saying you want to drop 20 pounds, start with something smaller and obtainable and go from there.
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13. Find Joy in Movement
Find physical activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, swimming, playing a sport, or playing with your children or grandchildren. Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it can be a fun and rewarding way to take care of your body and relieve stress.
14. Practice Gratitude
Cultivate gratitude for your body and its capabilities. Focus on what your body can do rather than how it looks, and express appreciation for your progress on your fitness journey.
15. Celebrate Your Achievements
Take time to celebrate your achievements and milestones. Whether it’s hitting a new personal record in the gym, reaching a weight loss goal, or simply sticking to your workout routine, acknowledge your progress and be proud of yourself.
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16. Practice Patience
Understand that transformations take time and progress may not always happen as quickly as you’d like. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Consistency and dedication will eventually lead to the results you desire.
17. Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Identify any negative or limiting beliefs you may have about your fitness journey, such as, “I’ll never be able to lose weight” or “I’m not strong enough.” Challenge these beliefs by replacing them with more empowering thoughts, such as “I am capable of reaching my goals with perseverance and effort.”
18. Stay Flexible
Be willing to adapt and adjust your approach as needed. If a particular workout or lifestyle plan isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to try something new. Stay open-minded and flexible, and be willing to experiment until you find what works best for your body and lifestyle.
19. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
While having goals is important, remember to enjoy the journey along the way. Find fulfillment in the daily habits and rituals that support your health and fitness goals rather than solely focusing on the end result. Embrace the process and trust that the results will follow.
20. Practice Self-Reflection
Regularly reflect on your progress, challenges, and successes. Ask yourself what’s working well and what could be improved, and adjust accordingly. Use a journal to focus on self-reflection to learn from your experiences and continue growing on your fitness journey.
Do you have any tips for getting in shape for summer? Let me know in the comments.
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