It’s that time of year again when everyone is thinking about how to get their bodies summer-ready. For many, that means shedding some extra pounds in order to look and feel their best. If you’re hoping to shred some fat for summer, there are a few things you should know.

The Importance of Nutrition

First and foremost, nutrition is key. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet, so it’s important to make sure you’re eating healthy foods that will help you reach your goals. Protein is essential for helping to build muscle and shed fat, so be sure to include plenty of lean protein sources in your diet. Vegetables are also important as they provide essential nutrients and fiber that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Avoid highly processed carbohydrates and sugar. Instead, focus on eating complex carbohydrates like whole grains and starchy vegetables.

Switch Up the Exercises

Secondly, you need to focus on compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once. These exercises are more effective at burning calories and fat than isolation exercises that only target one specific muscle group. Some great compound exercises to include in your routine are squats, lunges, deadlifts, and presses. It’s also important to switch up your workouts. Just walking/running on the treadmill isn’t going to have you accomplish the body composition/aesthetic you desire. Try adding HIIT (high-intensity interval training), cardio circuits, and weight lifting. If you need the ideal mix, then sign up for CS Fit!

Have Patience with Yourself

You may have the diet and exercise down, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is your ideal body. Patience is key. Give yourself some grace and don’t strive for perfection. You’ll get there eventually as long as you stay consistent with your healthy habits. Quick-fixes rarely work, and usually don’t stick, so it’s important that you are committed to a lifestyle change rather than having the goal of looking good in a bikini for a couple months out of the year. A lifestyle and mindset change will allow you to keep the weight off for longer and actually give you better results in the end.

Water, Water, Water!

Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential for proper metabolism and will help keep your body functioning optimally. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day, and even more if you’re sweating a lot during your workouts. Adequate hydration actually boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories, while helping you detoxify. If you don’t enjoy water, try adding fruits or veggies to it! This can add a little extra flavor that will help you get in the habit of drinking more.

So there you have it! A few tips to help you shred fat for summer. Just remember that nutrition is key, compound exercises are your friend, and be patient for the best results. Now get out there and start working towards your goals! And if you need help getting started, sign up for CS Fit where we’ll give you the tools and guidance to help make your fitness goals a reality!