Woman working out Summer is definitely coming – it’s staying lighter longer, it’s certainly feeling warmer and it seems all we can really talk about is summer. And why not? We all love the hotter weather. Hotter weather means getting outside more, planning beach holidays, topping up tans and, of course - baring the flesh! But are you summer body ready? Here are a few tips to help you stick to your summer fitness plan… #1. Be your own biggest fan Perhaps you’re trying to start a new fitness regime, or want to try something you’ve not tried before, such as amateur boxing, cycling or long-distance running. One of the biggest hurdles to jump over is believing in yourself and that you can do it. Mastering something new never happens overnight, but mental strength and focus is a massive part of achieving our fitness goals. The best way to get over fears of self-doubt is to simply start. Grab your trainers, pick up your boxing gloves, whatever it may be, and just get going. #2. Ensure there’s no turning back A great way to stick to a routine is by committing yourself to something that involves no turning back. For example, signing up for a 10k run or joining a rowing club. Once you’ve signed up, you’re in! Or it could even be as simple as agreeing to work out with a friend three times a week or paying up in advance for personal trainer sessions. So many people fall into the trap of joining a gym and then failing to go. But if you’ve got people relying on your commitment…well, that’s sure to help keep you going. #3. Don’t do something you really don’t like The key to staying focused on a fitness regime is to make sure it involves what you enjoy doing. For example, if you really don’t like running, then find something else. You don’t have to run to get a good cardiovascular workout! You could try a lower impact cardio machine, such as an elliptical trainer or rowing machine which still provide a fantastic total body workout. In fact, you should make sure you mix up your routine to ensure you keep your body guessing, including strength trainign as well as cardio. Which leads us on to the next point… #4. Keep your body guessing We all talk about summer fitness routines, but the word “routine” can often be taken too literally, performing the same exercises and training routines over and over, week after week. We do the same number of reps with the same weight plates and barbells, run on the treadmill for 30 minutes at the same speed four times a week, and so on. Make sure you change what you do to stop your body getting used to what you’re doing. You’ll get far better results. Many cardio workout machines include motivational workout programmes that can help you vary your routine and work different muscles. And some also have interactive training, such as NordicTrack treadmills, elliptical trainers and exercise bikes which feature iFit Live. This allows you to download limitless workouts and run real-world routes to take you away from staring at the gym wall or out the window. #5. Get some decent workout music Imagine you’ve finished a long, stressful day at work and the last thing you want to do is crack on with your summer fitness plan. Well, it’s amazing what a difference a decent beat can make! Exercising is tough and most of us can relate to that feeling of just wanting to stop. Maybe you’re just a few minutes into a 20 minute high intensity elliptical workout, or have just picked up the dumbbells and feel like putting them straight back down again. A great way to take your mind off stopping is an uplifting song with a decent beat. Check out our top ten workout tracks for some inspiration. Oh, and just like your training routine, make sure you mix up your playlist too. Even the best tracks can get overplayed! By mastering your fitness and doing things that work for you long term means that you can enjoy a fitter, healthier lifestyle that continues on past the summer months and is not just a summer plan, but a way of life. Tell us your fitness stories Are you on a journey to a better body and healthier lifestyle or are you training for a big event? Perhaps you've reached a massive fitness goal? Be proud and share your story with us! If you fancy featuring on our blog, get in touch with Laura or Tweet us.