Posted April 15th, 2023

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, outdoor activities, and vacations. For many of us, it's also a time when we want to look and feel our best. Whether you're planning a beach vacation or simply want to feel more confident in your summer wardrobe, achieving your fitness goals can help boost your self-confidence and improve your overall well-being. At Elyte, we understand the importance of having a comprehensive approach to fitness that includes both exercise and nutrition. It's the perfect time to kickstart your fitness journey. Whether you want to get in shape for beach season or just improve your overall health and well-being, there are plenty of ways to get started. Here are five tips to help you get ready for summer:

1. Get a Fitness Coach

When it comes to achieving your fitness goals, a fitness coach can be an invaluable resource. Whether you are new to fitness or an experienced athlete, a fitness coach can help you stay motivated and on track. One of the main advantages of working with a fitness coach is the accountability they provide. By having someone to answer to, you're more likely to stick to your workout schedule and see results. Fitness coaches are knowledgeable about the latest fitness trends and research, so you can be sure that you're getting the most effective and up-to-date advice. Working with a fitness coach means getting a personalized training plan that takes into account your fitness level, preferences, and schedule. You should have a plan tailored to help you achieve your specific goals, whether it's building muscle, losing weight, improving your endurance, or just feeling better overall. Coaches will guide you through each workout, providing feedback and motivation to keep you going.

At Elyte, we have licensed physical therapists who specialize in various areas of fitness, including strength and conditioning, weight loss, and injury rehabilitation. Whether you prefer to work out at home or at the gym, our fitness coach at Elyte will ensure that you get the most out of every session. They'll provide you with guidance on proper form and technique, ensuring that you're doing each exercise correctly and safely. They'll also help you set realistic goals and provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve them.

2. Start with Strength Training

Strength training is an essential component of any fitness program. It helps build muscle, burn fat, and improve your overall health. When preparing for your strength training, you need to make sure that every workout is optimized for you in your own rhythm. You need to find a training routine or find a professional to work with you to develop a personalized strength training plan that targets your specific goals, whether you want to increase muscle mass, improve your endurance, or just feel stronger and more capable in your everyday life.

For strength training, proper form and technique are critical. One of the main benefits of strength training is that it helps increase your metabolism, which means you'll burn more calories even when you're not working out. It also helps to prevent injury by strengthening the muscles and connective tissues in your body. This can be especially beneficial for older adults or those recovering from an injury. If you're unsure on how to perform strength training safely, you will need to find guidance not only on how much weight to lift and how many reps to do, but also on ensuring that each workout is safe, productive and challenging but not too difficult as we at Elyte believe that strength training should be a part of everyone's fitness routine.

3. Focus on Nutrition

There are no workarounds, nutrition is just as important as exercise. A healthy diet provides the fuel and nutrients that your body needs to function properly, and it can have a significant impact on your overall health and fitness. If you have a goal in mind, you can never achieve it without proper nutrition. One of the first steps is to understand what your body needs. This includes understanding your daily caloric needs, as well as the nutrients that your body requires. A balanced diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. These foods provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best, and a professional can help you with an eating plan that will support your fitness goals.

Developing a healthy relationship with food is essential for long-term success. This means enjoying the foods you love in moderation, without feeling guilty or anxious. It also means avoiding restrictive diets that can be harmful to your physical and mental health - or you might risk losing all your progress in just a few weeks. Also keep in mind that nutrition is not only about eating a balanced diet and controlling your portion sizes, it is about your overall health, and staying hydrated is also crucial for being healthy enough to achieve your goals. Drinking enough water helps to flush toxins from your body, improves digestion, and helps regulate your body temperature. It's important to drink water before, during, and after exercise, as well as throughout the day.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is crucial for your fitness journey because it helps you stay motivated and on track. If you set goals that are too lofty, you're setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration. On the other hand, setting goals that are too easy won't push you to your full potential. When you set realistic goals, you create a roadmap for success. You'll know exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals, and you'll be able to track your progress along the way. This can be incredibly motivating and help you stay committed.

Unrealistic goals can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even injury. When you aim too high and set yourself impossible goals, you may end up pushing yourself too hard to achieve them, which can ultimately derail your progress and put your health at risk. That's why setting achievable, realistic goals is crucial for sustainable progress and avoiding burnout. When you set realistic goals, you're allowing yourself to push just enough to see results without overwhelming your body and mind. This not only helps you avoid physical exhaustion and injury, but it also helps you maintain your mental and emotional wellbeing, keeping you motivated and focused on your journey.

To set realistic fitness goals, you can follow a few tips that will help you stay on track and achieve your targets gradually. The first tip is to be specific when setting your goals. Instead of vague aspirations like "lose weight" or "get fit," set specific targets like "lose 10 pounds in three months" or "complete a 5k run in two months." Start with smaller goals that you can achieve and gradually increase your targets as you progress. This way, you'll build momentum, avoid frustration, and see real progress in your fitness journey.

Here are a few tips on how to accomplish this:

1. Be Specific: When setting fitness goals, it's important to be as specific as possible. Instead of setting a vague goal like "lose weight," set a specific goal like "lose 10 pounds in the next three months." This will give you a clear target to aim for and help you stay focused on your progress.
2. Break It Down: Breaking down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps can help you stay motivated and on track. Instead of setting a goal to run a marathon next year, set a goal to run a 5k in three months. This will give you a clear path to your larger goal and help you celebrate your progress along the way.
3. Be Realistic: When setting fitness goals, it's important to be realistic. Don't set a goal to work out for three hours every day if you're currently only working out once a week. Instead, set a goal to work out for 30 minutes three times a week and gradually increase your time as you become more comfortable.
4. Make It Measurable: Setting measurable goals can help you track your progress and stay motivated. Instead of setting a goal to "get stronger," set a goal to increase your bench press weight by 10 pounds in the next month. This will give you a clear metric to track and help you see your progress over time.
5. Celebrate Your Progress: Finally, it's important to celebrate your progress along the way. When you hit a milestone, take the time to acknowledge your hard work and celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and on track as you continue on your fitness journey.

5. Find Something You Like

Exercise is absolutely essential to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But, with so many different types of exercise available, it can be hard to know where to start. The key is to find a sport or exercise that you enjoy and that fits your personality and lifestyle. 

Finding an exercise that you enjoy is crucial for several reasons. First, it's much easier to stick to a workout routine when you're doing something you love. If you dread going to the gym or find your current exercise routine boring, it's unlikely that you'll stick to it for the long haul. However, if you find an activity that you genuinely enjoy, it will feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity that you look forward to. Second, finding an exercise that you enjoy can help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly. When you enjoy an activity, you're more likely to put more effort into it, which means you'll burn more calories and build more muscle. Plus, when you enjoy an activity, you're more likely to make it a priority in your life, which means you'll be more consistent with your workouts.

So, how do you find the exercise that's right for you? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Think About What You Enjoy: The first step is to think about the activities that you enjoy. Do you love the outdoors? Are you someone who enjoys being part of a team? Or, do you prefer solo activities that allow you to clear your mind? By understanding your preferences, you can start to identify the types of exercise that you're most likely to enjoy.
2. Consider Your Fitness Goals: Another important factor to consider is your fitness goals. Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your endurance? Different types of exercise are better suited for different goals. For example, if you're looking to build muscle, weightlifting or resistance training may be the best option. If you're looking to improve your cardiovascular endurance, running or cycling may be more effective.
3. Try Different Activities: Finally, the best way to find the exercise that's right for you is to try different activities. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of exercise until you find one that you enjoy. Join a class, try a new sport, or go for a hike in the great outdoors. You never know what you might discover!

Achieving your goals requires a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, nutrition, and a personalized coaching plan. By following these five tips, you'll be well on your way to start your fitness journey to look and feel your best this summer. Remember to focus on proper nutrition, choose the right training options for your lifestyle, and work with a coach to develop a plan that fits your unique needs and preferences. Above all, stay committed, stay motivated, and don't give up. With the right approach, you can achieve your fitness goals and feel confident and healthy all year round. So what are you waiting for? Whether you prefer virtual or in-person training, strength and conditioning, weight loss, or a healthy lifestyle, we have the coaching plans and expertise to help you achieve your full potential. Reach out to us at [email protected] to book a consultation with Olu, the owner, and start your journey today.

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