Getting Ready for YOUR Summer Body

2022 has been the year to witness real progress in how the media represents the human body. It is so refreshing to see businesses big and small embrace the movement to show all kinds of bodies, not just the skinny model type of Victoria’s Secret runway fame.

Now that spring is in full swing, the fitness world is starting to urge all of us to get our bodies ready for summer. They suggest we start now to rock that bikini later…that we not wait until it’s too late to be “beach ready.”

Here at Razz Yoga, we know (and appreciate!) that every single body is unique. And that means that no two people will have the same idea of what their best summer body looks and feels like.

That’s why we want to help you flip the script on your summer-body self-talk this time of year. We want to work with you to look and feel your best all summer long, whatever that looks and feels like to you.

Skip the Scale and Focus on Strength and Endurance

It is tempting to tell yourself that you need to lose weight and then obsess over the number of the scale and how you are going to lower it to the magic one. The truth is that, like age, weight is just a number. It doesn’t provide solid data to track the effectiveness of your exercise program.

Instead of setting a goal weight, set goals for your strength and endurance. Identify ways to measure your starting baseline. How many minutes of active movement are you getting in each day? How long can you hold a plank in your chaturanga without dipping your hips or dropping to your knees? Establish where you are and track where those data points grow to as you commit to an exercise routine.

Looking to shake up your routine this spring? Check out our video on-demand with a large variety of movement classes.

Eat in Season Foods that Fuel Your Energy

When the weather heats up, it’s time to fire up the grill to feast with family and friends but there’s more to summer eating than grilling and chilling alone. So many vegetables and fruits come into season, which is an absolute ripe opportunity to boost energy with foods that will fuel every exercise session.

Berries, cherries, watermelon, tomatoes, summer squash, okra, corn, and stone fruits like apricots and peaches are all summer season crops. Pair them with fat and protein for sustained feelings of fullness and the lasting energy you need to hit the mat for your sweat session.

Clear Your Mind with Meditation

Remember, the mind-body connection is amazingly powerful. What we think and feel impacts our actions and ultimately, our results. Getting into class and moving your body is a huge part of self-care and wellness. But the mind needs to be tended, as well. And in fact, giving some attention to the mind can improve the results you get from physical body work.

In as little as 10 minutes a day, you can enjoy less stress, clearer decision making, reduced anxiety, and increased self-awareness. When your patterned thinking of what your body needs to look like before you slip on that swimsuit and hit the sunshine pops up, meditation will help you bring awareness to those thoughts and give you the internal space you need to choose them differently.

Stay Hydrated

The importance of drinking lots of water in the warm seasons cannot be overstated. The more you sweat, the more you need to replenish. Not drinking enough water leads to feelings of sluggishness, headache, irritability, and confusion, too. And those are not good partners for you on the mat.

Drink a glass or two before and after working out. Keep a bottle with you in the car and bring it with you as you go about your day. Hydration helps us stay energized and focused and gives our skin a healthy, vibrant glow.

Bored without some flavor? We get it. Check out the hydration packs we have available at the front desk. They are a perfect pairing to make your water tastier and replenish all those electrolytes you sweat out during your session.

When it comes to getting your body ready for summer, think about what YOUR body wants and needs. We are ready and able to help you identify those personal goals and enroll in a yoga and meditation membership with us that will get you there.