When you start planning a vacation, what sorts of thoughts swirl around in your head? Do you obsess over where you’ll eat or what you’ll buy at local shops? Or, perhaps, you start to wonder “what will I look like in a swimsuit,” or “am I in good enough shape to walk a lot,” right? Relax. Just as you’d plan your itinerary for your activities, you can also plan ahead for your vacation health. Here are some ideas:
- Start early. The fact is that the best beach bodies, or even those you want to have when you walk through a mall, are usually made months beforehand. So if you haven’t started already this year, remember this for next time. Make a goal to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, if weight loss is something you desire. Don’t rush into a crash diet — that can throw off your metabolism, which creates more problems.
- Work out with a friend. Studies show that people get much better results if they exercise with someone they know. That other person is motivation, and can offer support, as you can in return. Hint — pick someone who will “push” you to work harder. If you’re going to invest the time, you might as well work hard!
- Be reasonable with yourself. You probably look better than you’ll admit to yourself (others will tell you that you do). Don’t go extreme with some six-week miracle body transformation concept — they don’t exist in real life. And as stated earlier with metabolism changes, you don’t want to alter your body or eating habits too much. Stay positive and focus on goals that are realistic.
- Muscle. As you build your muscles, you’ll find it easier to make your goals for weight and toning. The rule is that for every five pounds of muscle you gain, you’ll burn an additional 100 calories a day! So work on light cardio, resistance training and better nutrition.
- Finally, never force yourself to workout seven days a week for two hours — especially not as you’re getting started. You’ll burn yourself out, and you’ll never try an exercise and “get in shape” program again.
Listen. Whatever weight or toning issues you have that you want to overcome, they didn’t happen overnight. Neither will the changes you might want to make. Just start slowly, and you’ll feel better with whatever change occurs. Have fun on that vacation and, if you’re looking for an opportunity to grow your income by helping others attain their ideal weight, get in touch with me at {{account:url}}!