It’s happening again. The same happened last year and the year before that. Summer.

One minute it’s Christmas with all the calorific indulgence that comes with it and before we know it, Valentine’s Day wraps it’s loving little wings around us, adding more inches onto our waistline. And that’s not to mention Easter and everything else that lies between.

So here we are with only a couple of months to spare before we run headlong into our poolside vacation. How do we get fit in time for summer fun? Fear not, these three steps will make the merge towards warmer weather more of an enjoyable paddle than a swim against the tide.

Best ways to get fit in time for summer.

1. Examine your calorie intake

Weight loss is the number one goal for most people before summer. The winter has had us hibernating and comfort-eating, while the weather has given us an alibi for skipping the gym. Others may not see the inches we’ve gained but we know it’s happened.

In order to lose weight we need to consider our calorie intake. The average calorie intake for men is 2500 while women should consume no more than 2000 calories per day. However, individual requirements can vary quite a bit.

Calorie-counting may seem boring and time-consuming, but if you want to lose those inches, you must take control of what you eat. If the old paper-and pen style of logging is something you left behind in the school museum trip, then try downloading a calorie-counting app such as My Fitness Pal, which simplifies logging.

detox smoothie

2. Eat a balanced, wholesome diet

We are what we eat. If we eat junk all the time, we’re going to feel like junk. Make instant changes to your diet by making sure you’re eating a nutritious, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetable, fibre, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

For those with a sweet tooth, cut out the excess sugars and instead try Earth’s natural sweetener - honey. These healthy desserts are ideal to whip up when you’re hankering for a treat.

3. Stay hydrated

Make sure to drink two to three litres of water to flush away toxins in your body, hydrate the body and help expel excess waste. Studies have linked increased water intake to weight loss, with hydration key to factors such as digestion, muscle function and lipolysis (fat-metabolising).

Here are some delicious flavoured water ideas and their benefits.

workout train gym fitness

4. Exercise regularly

Drum roll please. We all knew this one was coming. The man who got to the top of the mountain didn’t just land there - the same goes for getting fit in time for summer. In order to reach our fitness goals, we must exercise regularly.

For those with busy lives who don’t have time to squeeze in a full gym workout everyday, try adding small bursts of walking into your lunch break or journey home, or attend speedy half-hour classes at your local club a few times a week. It all counts.

There are so many forms of exercise now that we’re never stuck for interesting ideas to get us motivated. Whether you’re a Yogi or a track-treader, there’s something for everyone.

If you want to get fit in time for summer and have fun at the same time, inject something different into your routine, such as Holmes Place Aerial yoga. Our gravity-defying classes help you build strength and increase more flexibility - and are totally addictive. Members also love our new FloatFit class: 30 minutes of high-intensity exercise while standing on a floating ‘mattress’ in the pool.

Paulo Sousa - Sócio Holmes Place

Conheça o Paulo Sousa que teve um momento difícil na sua vida mas encontrou no exercício físico a motivação que precisava para continuar. "Para mim o Holmes Place é uma segunda casa".