Getting Healthier This Summer with an Austin Personal Trainer

The majority of us want to be healthier this summer and lose a few pounds to look better in that bathing suit. You probably could use a few tips to get in shape quickly for the beach or that vacation in Austin, Texas. Okay, let’s get started…

Drink Water! - We all know how hot Austin gets in the summer time.

Actually it’s astonishing how much you can elevate your fat metabolism by drinking adequate water and staying hydrated. Often people completely dismiss the effect that being hydrated and consuming sufficient water has when it comes to losing fat and also on their overall health in general. At least seventy percent of the processes that take place in your body take water and things like organs can’t perform optimally without sufficient water.

You heard me, your metabolism of fat IS directly affected by how well hydrated your body is. There’s still a debate on how much a person should drink on a daily basis. However, we suggest to try to drink at least four cups or more each day.  By the way, juice and tea don’t count. Even with the fact that they have water - they also are going to have sugar and other ingredients that actually limit the amount that is absorbed and used.

DON’T store anymore body fat - This is hard to do with all the great restaurants in Austin, Texas.

Many people begin an exercise program to lose weight and it’s shocking the number of people who pack on additional body fat later that day or the next. That said, our first task should be to stop storing new body fat. The best way to do this is to eat small, balanced meals or snacks every 2 to 3 hours. There are many reasons why feeding at short intervals increases your metabolism and also prevents the storing of new body fat.

Actually, the longer the time in between eating, the slower the rate at which your body burns fuel to conserve energy – this is called the starvation mechanism. Bear in mind that eating at regular intervals will train your body to use fat for energy since it’s used to getting fuel on a regular basis. What’s more, your body will not need to store as much fat because it doesn’t have to wonder when the next feeding will be. Conditioning your body in this manner will decrease the tendency for you to take in too many calories at any one time and the body to store additonal body fat since it doesn’t have to be concerned with going for a long period of time without food.

Short, Small Exercise Sessions - This is very important for your average person in Austin.

Many people don't need to exercise for many long hours that often and nor do you. Do you have the time for three to five workout sessions each week for hours on end since I know you’re busy as most people are.

Just remember that short, mini exercise sessions are just as effective and oftentimes even more effective than your traditional style workout routines if done progressively. Why is that, the reason is because these quick, small exercise sessions can be done daily or even many times per day and this increases your metabolism more often.

Moreover, just ten to fifteen minutes of moderate to high-intensity cardiovascular exercise each day will increase blood flow and circulation, burn some extra calories, and most importantly give you that little boost.

Another reason is short, small workouts are more convenient and practical for most people. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Run upstairs and walk back down – then repeat that for 5 or so minutes and you'll be exhausted. Moreover, you'll totally increase your metabolism and increase blood flow and circulation which will make you feel great!

2. Do 10 minutes of calisthenics such as jumping jacks, kick butts, high knees, jog in place, mountain climbers, etc.

3. Go for a quick 10 minute power walk and walk nearly as fast as you can and over time try to increase your distance and/or speed.
 

Exercise MUST be Progressive! - There are no shortage of personal trainer or health clubs in the Austin area, so you are sure to find one to keep you progressing.

Exercising progressively with strength training is probably one of the most effective forms of exercise you can do. What’s more, this principle applies to all forms of exercise and fitness. When it comes to talking about reshaping the body, elevating metabolism, and decreasing that excess body fat, you have to ensure that nearly all of your routines are progressive in nature.

Here are some basic guidelines: one to three sets per exercise, as many reps as possible in good form on each set, perform slow controlled reps to maximize muscle involvement, change exercises frequently, etc. Supply the body a reason to adapt, to do this you have to give a stimulus or reason for the body to make improvements. Keep in mind, just because you go to the gym and do strength training a few times a week doesn’t mean anything. The number of sets and reps doesn't matter, what matters is that the muscles and systems are subjected to a greater than stress than what the muscles are used to.