Are You Doing What it Takes to Be Summer Ready?

Today, I grabbed my car keys and my little man's hand and headed out to run errands. I have become accustomed to driving in Florida, but the native New Yorker in me decided we are walking today.In New York, I walked everywhere. My fitness studio was a 20-minute walk from my house. The six days a week trek in sunshine, snow or rain was my time.Walking with my boy today, I thought of the different cities I've trained the different cultures, yet one thing remains the same no matter where I lived.I hear around this time of the year... "I want to be Summer Ready!'So I thought of some ways to prepare for a Summer Body no matter where you reside. I am all about your journey and want you to enjoy the road to your summer body. Here’s how to get it done.Set Your GoalsWhat are your specific goals? Its easy to be general and say, “I want a summer body.” What does a summer body mean to you? Get specific.Do you want to gain muscle, lose some weight or something more fun like tank top arms? Write down those goals and set a strategy. A goal with no strategy is just a wish.Evaluate Your Current Workout ProgramDoes your program work for you? Is there consistency? I notice that the older I get my body doesn't bounce back quite as quick as it used to. So I have to remain consistent in order to see and maintain results. I need an effective workout that does not exceed 60 minutes.Look at your specific needs. If your career involves lots of sitting, you need something that will get your heart pumping to feel alive and balance you out.Workouts Must Be AppointmentsYour workout is an important appointment. Its not a luxury, its a necessity. Put the phone away (unless it is playing your music) or turn the ringer off. Completely zone out during this appointment. Put your full effort into that time.One of my mentors shared that every workout should be met with a high level of intensity and focus. Don’t just go through the motions - set yourself up for success.Buy A CookbookGet serious in that kitchen. Make your shopping list and invest in your nutritional health. There are tons of recipes out there that will fit your dietary needs and budget.For those that are consistently on the grind and that is just your life right now, there are some truly wonderful meal delivery programs that offer the same level of health and nutrition. Do your research.Walk or BikeIf the little one's school is close by, walk them there. My son's school is a 20-minute walk but its good for us both to walk, not to mention a chance for us to bond.Get A MakeoverNothing screams summer ready more than a new look. Do you want to cut or lighten your hair, or donate some clothes to an organization while you buy some new gear? Think about it! Go for it!Prep for Success at WorkThe workplace can be a downfall for fitness goals. Bringing your own food and healthy snacks is crucial to success. Ditch the juices, or sugar loaded coffees and sodas by switching to water. If you do just one thing every day to stay fit, it should be to drink tons of water. Don’t believe me? See what these Miami fitness trainers had to say.Sign-Up For an End of Summer RunFitness events are great because they give us something to prep for. It gives us something to work towards and keeps us on track. I challenge you to sign up for something that is going to keep you inspired to chase your goals.Tag Your Workout PartnerWe are better together. I train at Legacy Fit, where our one-hour, Partner Interval Training (P.I.T.), workouts pair two people together each class.A workout partner helps you stay on track. Who is that person for you? Is it a co-worker, spouse, child or best friend?Don’t Forget to StretchOne of the things I hear (and am guilty of myself) clients say is that they do not stretch enough. Dedicatee time every day to stretch. Turn on some calm music or just listen to the melody of your natural environment. Without stretching, you can increase can the chance for tightness and injury.