1. Gym Rats, Get Outside
It is possible to do great lifting routine while getting some fresh air. The local playground can provide a lot of equipment you can use for an awesome workout. Use overhead bars to do pull-ups and hanging knee raises. Lower bars, around waist height, can be used for reverse push-ups. Find a hill and do sets of moving jump squats, lunges and sumo squats up the incline. Do tricep dips off balance bars and push-ups can be done with feet elevated on the end of a slide. Be creative and play outside.
2. Have Fun in the Sun
Cardio is crucial when it comes to burning fat and looking great. The key to effective cardio training is to keep your heart rate in your personal target zone for a long enough time to make a difference. Keep the sessions interesting to prevent boredom. Trail and beach running, road and mountain biking, and wilderness hiking are great ways to work your cardiovascular system while still having fun in the sun. It's summertime so get outdoors.
3. Eat Right and Look Awesome
No matter how much you work out, if your eating habits are bad, you can kiss all your hard work goodbye. Healthy, nutrient-dense foods are the key to success. Burning fat and losing weight requires eating fewer calories than you burn off in a day and building muscle means eating more than you burn. Summer is a great time to take advantage of fresh fruits and veggies. Stay cool with homemade fresh fruit smoothies with no added sugar, crisp salads and grilled fish. Just be sure to avoid the fatty dressings and side dishes, or they'll just end up taking residence on your sides.
4. Keep Your Friends by Your Side
It's great to work out with friends, but make sure they are around the same fitness level as you. Those in worse shape can hinder your progress and if they are much more fit than you, you may burn out, get frustrated, or even injured. It is important to challenge yourself and working out with friends who will encourage and push you is best. If you plan on training with someone who is above your current fitness level, be sure you have a strong base before jumping in, or you may just get hurt.
5. Make Your Workouts Realistic
If it has been a while since you've worked out, don't expect to be back at the same level you left off at the last time you were in the gym, or at the same running pace the last time you were on the trail. It took time to get out of shape and it takes even longer to get back into shape. Perseverance, determination and keeping it fun will ensure you stick to the program and look great.
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