Summer is officially one month away and if you're like me, you're probably thinking that maybe it's time to get up off the couch, pause your Netflix episode, and do something. As Memorial Day Weekend draws near, everybody starts questioning whether they're reallybikini-bod-ready. What most people do, however, is jump right into a hard workout schedule that leaves them sore for days.
Instead of jam packing your day with intense workouts, think and plan ahead! There are so many different options out there for girls of all different personalities, shapes, and sizes to enjoy. It just takes some time and patience to find which workout regimen is right for you!
If you're feeling stressed and needing to unwind, but want to get in shape at the same time.
Try yoga! It's the perfect blend of mind-body practice, as it reduces stress, boosts your well-being, and offers a wide range of health benefits. Yoga is characterized by breathing techniques, regular stretching, and holding difficult poses. As you practice, your blood pressure and anxiety lower, leaving you feeling peaceful and calm. It not only improves your mental health, it also improves your physical health. Your body grows leaner, and if you're really looking to lose some weight, hot yoga makes you sweat -- a lot! It's the same as yoga, but the room temperature is set at around 95 to 100 degree's. Talk about a workout!
If you want to work out, but you're afraid of bulking up.
Try a barre class! This is ideal for those who feel intimidated by the gym and aren't quite sure what exercises to do on their own. A typical barre class lasts about an hour; it is run by an instructor who helps you execute different exercises that focus on specific parts of your body. You workout your arm muscles, your abdominal muscles, your thighs, your butt, and your calves! A barre class is known to sculpt and tone, rather than increase your muscle size. It's the closest thing you'll get to having a personal trainer, without having to actually pay for one!
If you're a high energy girl and cardio is what you crave.
Take a spin class! It's great for those who are motivated to get their endorphins flowing and burn a lot of calories. A typical spin class is only 45 minutes long, but you can burn up to 600 plus calories, depending on your intensity. The music is always bumping, your instructor is persistent and encouraging, and the metabolic intervals help you to focus on challenge your body. Increasing your intensity from flat ground (low resistance) to climbing up a hill (high resistance) and then back again gets your heart rate up so you can burn more calories. While some people fall under the false impression that spinning is just for your legs, most classes include weights and resistance bands, giving you a full body burn!
If gym workouts and group exercises aren't for you.
Enjoy the beautiful weather outside and go for a hike! With the outdoors at your fingertips, the options on where to go are endless. You can choose a steep terrain or more level ground, you can grab your pet or even some of your girlfriends, and you'll burn some serious calories without even realizing it! One of the best parts about hiking is that you can go at your own pace, making it as challenging or as painless as you would like. For some, a hike means casually walking uphill while taking in nature, and for others a hike means jogging to a specific destination. Whatever you decide, you'll get a full body workout on your own time without the stress of following an instructor.
