Its mid-summer, and all that enthusiasm for getting in shape and a summer body may have hit a brick wall, at at this moment in time, its not a wall that you can really be bothered to climb. But my good friend Daisy Tait is here to give you a little boost up the wall and get you back on track again! Full with new exciting apps and methods to help you on your way.
"So, as summer fast approached there is a sudden urge for getting the ‘bikini bod’. But really, being healthy isn’t just for a summer body – it shouldn’t be about what others think about how you look but how YOU feel. A healthy you, is a happy you – without trying to sound cringy and patronising, it’s true!
For most of us, a personal trainer or nutritionist is simple out of the question – they definitely don’t come cheap! So, for you today I have compiled a list of fitness apps, gadgets and methods (added a few top tips!) to help anyone on their way to achieving their fitness goals.
Seven (App)
This is a free app that offers an all over workout consisting of 7 minutes only (Although you can add more circuits)! The app tracks your activity, encouraging you to complete it daily in order to not lose a life and ruin your streak! There are challenges set and awards to be achieved to keep up your motivation. However, although the all over body workout comes free, the rest (including fat burn, core strength and cardio cost £1.49 each!)
TIP – Exercise in the morning before breakfast if you can, it’s more effective for fat burning, pushes away those hunger pains and then it’s DONE – you can get on with the rest of your day guilt free!
Breville Blend Active Personal Blender
Because who doesn’t love a smoothie? Especially when the container you use to drink out of becomes the blender? It’s quick and easy and involves minimal washing up. It also comes with a few delicious recipes!
TIP – Drink water when you feel hungry before you reach for the crisps – a lot of the time you mistake being thirsty for hunger pains.
Yoga Studio (App)
So, for the days when you’re feeling a bit achey and slow, yoga is the best way to work out your core but stretch at the same time. Yes it costs £1.99 to buy the app, but that’s way cheaper than a class at the gym. With the hundreds of different combinations and levels, you can tailor your workout to suit you, it is definitely worth it.
Meatless Mondays
A trending international campaign that encourages not to eat meat on Monday, to improve health and reduce saturated fat intake. Why not give it a try, there’s not harm in a day off from meat…
TIP – Avoid caffeine overload, it released insulin which is harder to burn off.
Underwater MP3 Player
Swimming is a great way to get fit, it burns tonnes of calories, builds muscle at the same time (in a long lean, strong way, not bulky like weight training) AND it reduces risk of injury on the joints as there is no repetitive impact blows like when running. But, it can be boring. Spark up your swim with a playlist to keep you going!
Tracy Anderson Technique
Personal trainer to the celebs including Shakira and Gwyneth Paltrow – and you can’t deny they look fab. Her 30 day kick start method comes with instruction book and dvd and is a great way to tone up. It also comes with diet ideas, which personally I feel are a bit impossible to follow, but great results can still be achieved with the exercise side – just eat sensibly alongside it
TIP – It’s fine to have a few cheat meals during the week, but it’s only when a few becomes 10 that it might be a problem.
Nike+ Running (App)
This app is a great way to note and measure your progress on runs. It’s free and again offers challenges to complete and achievements to win! You can also link up with friends and challenge each other or check out each progress!
Insanity
This is the exception to the article, because insanity does cost a fair amount, but if you’re really up for a challenge then it’s worth it! It’s hard core cardio and can be pretty gruelling but it’s a big calorie burning activity and only tales 40-60 minutes out of your day. Not only does it burn fat but it also strengthens – good for anyone really wanting to push themselves.
TIP – Feeling anxious? Don’t stress eat, get on your gym kit and do some cardio. It’s the best way to relieve that nervous knot in your tummy and you wont feel guilty about it after.
Bodyrocktv
This offers simple and carrying high intensity workouts, which are all the rage for fat burning right now. Technically, it should cost, but why pay when YouTube has it all? Give it a go!
TIP- Vary your workouts! Not only does it prevent your body from getting used to it (which decreases shock factor and therefor fat burning) but it also keeps you motivated!
TOP GADGET – Polar Heart Rate Monitors
Polar offers a range of affordable products that can measure your activity and workouts. They can also connect to the app where you can easily see and track your workouts and progress. If self-improvement is what you’re after then I recommend this product, try and beat yourself!
TOP APP – MyFitness Pal
So, this is nothing new and counting calories isn’t good when it becomes obsessive, but if you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle, then it’s great. Sometimes you don’t realise how many calories you’re eating per day and a good diet is key to getting fit. It also shows a pie chart of carbs: fat: intake per day, meaning you can adjust your diet accordingly to match the recommended 50: 30: 20.
TOP METHOD – 5:2 diet
Yes it sounds crazy, fasting for two days a week, but after the first few times it’s not that bad! It’s a proven way to effectively encourage weight loss.
It means the rest of the days you can basically eat what you want, guilt free (within reason) and also, what cheaper way is there to lose weight when you don’t really have to pay for two days food (I’m kidding!)- but seriously, give it a shot!"
Written by Daisy Tait
If you've been reading this and thinking to yourself "Jesus I really need to get back on that treadmill" (like myself) THEN DO IT! Summer is no where near over yet, and as Daisy rightly states, Healthy shouldn't just be about summer! I'm sorry I've been away a while, but I promise that all the exciting posts to come will be worth it! In the meantime I hope you've enjoyed Daisy's inspiring post :)
O x
