A summer body is a goal for all of us, but not many of us reach it. Sometimes it’s not just about being too lazy to work out, but more about not being motivated, or simply not having enough time or the energy. Luckily, there are many ways you can work out effectively but save time, and there are other tips and tricks you can use to look your best on the beach without having to starve or spend countless hours in the gym. With this in mind we’ve asked Norah Martin from highstylife.com to share her top 10 fitness tips for lazy ladies..
You like to – move it!
The good side of workouts is that you absolutely need no accessories, equipment, or a special place to do them. Yes, some equipment is cool, for example those little weights for toning your arms, but you don’t need them. You can do some serious sweating while cleaning your kitchen or walking to work. The most important thing is to move, the more the better.
Use the TV
You can do some killer workouts while watching your favorite TV show if you only know how. Use the opening credits to do some jogging, recognize patterns and do a specific move whenever a cliché sentence or an expression is mentioned. It’s similar to drinking games, but way healthier. Instead of ending up blackout drunk, you’ll end up sweating and feeling good about yourself.
Use caffeine to help you
This trick works even better if you’re not a caffeine addict, but nevertheless, you can benefit from caffeine when working out even if you drink coffee regularly. Caffeine boosts your metabolism and gives you strength to work out longer than you usually would. Bear in mind that it’s not a miracle substance which will turn you into a Hulk and give you superhuman strength, though.
Drink more water
This may sound like a silly cliché, but it does wonders for your body. Start your day with a glass of warm water with a bit of lemon, drink a glass before every meal, and one before you go to bed. Also, try to drink at least five glasses of water during the day. This will help your body get rid of toxins, keep you hydrated, make your skin glow, and reduce your appetite.
Dance it off
As we mentioned before, any form of movement is actually a workout, so why not make things useful, beautiful, and interesting at the same time? Take up dancing lessons, learn some seductive and sensual moves, and tone up your body like a dancer. You will learn a new skill and lose weight at the same time – it’s a win-win situation.
Other kinds of sweets
Yes, fruit will never ever replace chocolate-chip raspberry ice cream, but it can get pretty close to it nevertheless. Try making homemade popsicles with fruit and mint leaves – a dessert to cool you down and boost your metabolism, and it has zero calories.
Eat differently
You know it has to come to this at one point or another – you will have to change your diet if you want good results. The changes don’t have to be drastic: swap regular pizza for a vegetarian homemade one, eat homemade ice cream instead of the one bought in stores, add supplements to your diet to make sure you’re taking in all the necessary vitamins and proteins. This ultimate supplement guide will help you see what you’ve been lacking and how to make it up quickly.
Engage body & mind
The best way to clear your mind, prepare for the stressful day ahead of you, and tone up your body is to take up yoga. It calms you down, and gives you both mental and physical strength for everyday challenges.
Leave the car
Walk and cycle everywhere – it will change your body for the better in no time. By walking everywhere you will save tons of money you would have spent on gas, and get wonderfully toned legs instead. If you can’t give up your car completely, try parking further than you usually would and walk a few blocks more.
You don’t have to leave the bed
For all the truly lazy ones out there, this is the proof that you can work out while still in bed. Do some peddlers, side kicks, leg twists, and whatnot when you don’t feel like getting up, but still feel too guilty to completely skip the exercise. No excuses!
The biggest step you are going to take is finding motivation to keep you going after the initial enthusiasm wears off. It is not easy, maybe it will be raining, or you’ll have a headache, or you are going to feel unmotivated after eating a bit too much ice cream. No worries, mistakes and little slips are all part of the process, and the most important thing is to keep going. Your amazing body will emerge and you will be happy you didn’t quit.