5 Tips to Get Over That Mid-Year Fitness Hump

While those New Year’s resolutions may have gone poof in a white puff of smoke, it’s mid-year and time to re-evaluate your fitness. Summer may be hot and humid or very dry in some parts of the country, but that only means you’ll be sweating more and burning more calories working out. We mentioned previously on our blog some activities you can do to enjoy the warmth of spring. In this edition we’d like to go over some tips on how to stay motivated and keep your fitness up during the that mid-year hump.

1) Have a Clearly Defined Goal

While people find it hard to stay motivated in the winter when it’s cold, rainy and snowy, others find it just as difficult when it’s hot, and would rather sit on a patio sipping a drink. Taking the time to set a goal in your mind might be the difference between staying sedentary and getting out there and getting fit. Start small, don’t set any lofty goals which you might not be able to achieve. Thrive Global advises to set tangible and specific goals like, “I want run a 5k in 20 minutes,” or “I want to do 10 unassisted pull-ups.” While setting a goal is crucial to your success, it is also important that you focus on the process of getting there rather than the ultimate goal, as it will help you achieve better results.

2) Commit to a Routine

With longer days in the summer, an early morning will help you stay committed, so, plan ahead and stick with a morning routine. Starting your routine early in the morning is recommended because during the day or in the evening, undoubtedly something else will always come up, from work to social obligations to family. Plan for half-an hour to an hour to yourself, or with your partner, first thing in the morning. Maintain your routine while on vacation as well; use the hotel pool for an invigorating swim or the gym facilities. If you’re on the beach, go for a run and a swim. The possibilities are endless and research shows that if you commit to a routine you’re more likely to stick with it.

3) Reward Yourself

Positive reinforcement is always recommended as human brains respond better to a reward system, releasing endorphins and giving you a positive outlook. Rewards are dependent entirely on you and could include anything from sleeping in, getting a massage, or maybe a new SPIbelt 😉 . A reward can also be from a training buddy or your partner, who can hold you accountable and ensure you’re following your routine and motivate you on those days you don’t feel like working out. Ultimately, the biggest reward is your workout and commitment to getting yourself fit; once you make that paradigm shift in your brain you’ll see how that will be reward enough.

4) Use a Fitness Tracker

With technology permeating every aspect of personal life, the availability of wearables with an increased array of sensors means people are becoming more conscious about their health, reveals an article by Forbes. These trackers now provide progressively better feedback and insight into our health, allowing us to discover ways to improve. Tracking technology also helps to monitor heart rate and has the ability to pick up abnormalities to point out issues which would previously have gone undetected, points out an article on Coral titled ‘The Impact of Technology on Sport’. Knowing more about your body and how it works is a great motivator to getting over those doldrums and help you get fit. People love the details fitness trackers provide and they can help you stay committed to your goals.

5)Avoid Burning Out

If you’ve managed to stay motivated and dedicated to a routine, but find that your progress stagnates, maybe it’s time to take a short break. While your body also needs the rest, it is also the mind that gets worn out and occasionally needs a rest. Fit Day remarks that burnout is a looming threat that faces every athlete, with the combination of pushing too hard and getting insufficient rest. A mental break can do wonders to get your mind off things temporarily, as such, it’s a good idea to take some time off, get enough sleep and let your body heal.

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Written by BetterVersion18