Shape up your summer body

1) The start of summer is a great time to change your exercise programme. Think about winding down what you have been doing in the gym over winter, talk to one of our LA Coaches and get yourself a new summer schedule. You’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable it will be and how much harder you will work.

2) Early summer is also the best time to set yourself a physical challenge. Challenges come in a million different guises including charity walks, a range of runs from 5k to full marathons, bike rides, swimming events, triathlons and something as simple as hiking. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you enjoy the activity and it gives you something to work towards.

3) Now that the sun is coming up earlier you might like to think about getting up a little earlier. It’s surprising how much you can get done in an extra hour - maybe you’ll be able to fit in a workout before work or perhaps that extra hour will just be your quiet time.

4) We talk a lot about the benefits of cardio exercise and strength training but stretching is also really important, largely because it relieves tension from your muscles, enhances circulation, increases flexibility and improves balance. Not only that but stretching is a great way to enhance your mood, increase your energy and makes you feel good.

5) We stress the importance of strength training a lot, but that’s because a little strength training goes a long way when it comes to having the energy and ability to live life to the full. In addition to working all the major muscle groups it’s particularly important to work at building strength and stability into your core. Get this bit right and debilitating conditions like back pain tend to be much less of a hazard.

6) A daily multi-vitamin will help to keep you on the straight and narrow, and other supplements like vitamins B and C and fish oil (omega-3) can also be very helpful in terms of giving you the energy you need to get the most from life.

7) One way to get the most from life over the coming months is to take up a summer sport like golf, tennis, water sports, bowls, cycling or jogging. We are increasingly becoming a nation of screen watchers so you will find that all of the clubs and centres that offer these activities welcome newcomers with open arms. Once you decide what you want to do, let the team at LA fitness help you getting into shape for it.

8) Keeping on track of your fitness goals can be challenging at the best of times, that’s why the team at LA fitness are here to make sure you’re achieving your goals and at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle. The next time you visit club why not book in for your fitness review with one of our LA Coaches and we’ll check your progress and make sure you’re on your way into achieving your goals.

9) Pick up the pace with one of our Small Group Training programmes in your club today with either Accelerator or Fight Fit? Our Small Group Training programmes offer a revolutionary way to fast track your fitness goals and see results quicker! Whether you want to lose weight, tone up or simply improve your fitness in record time, there's a small group training programme to suit you. Each programme has been designed to provide you with intense, targeted training sessions in a small group environment; the perfect motivator and a great way to meet new people.