The Best Workouts To Build Your Summer Bod
Everyone wants to feel like their best self in the summertime, as it can take a lot of confidence to be able to put on a bathing suit and go to the beach, a lake, or a pool. It’s extremely important to remember that every body type is beautiful, and confidence comes from within. It is a mental transition that can take a lot of time. If you’re looking for workouts to build your summer body, do it because you want to better your health. Never do it to impress other people. Below, you will find some of the best workouts to build your summer bod and feel like your best self.
1. Abs
Ab workouts are some of the best workouts to build that summer bod, but you need to pair it with something also, such as cardio or strength. If you solely do ab workouts, it will take a much longer time to see results compared to if you pair it with another type of workout. You also want to make sure you are eating well when you’re trying to get in shape for the summer. this obviously does not mean you can’t indulge now and then, but eating right is a huge factor when it comes to seeing results. Some of the best ab workouts you can do are plan intervals, crunches, and Russian twists with a medicine ball. Give them a try!
2. Squats With Weight
Squatting with weight is one of the best workouts to build your booty! At most gyms, there is something called a Smith machine. These machines are basically weighted bars attached to a rack so that it helps you steady yourself and keep the bar securely on your back while you squat, so you do not fall over with the bar. This is a great thing for beginners to try. Bar weights can vary, and when you feel comfortable squatting the bar you can add external weight to the ends of the bar.
3. Lunges With Weight
Lunging is an awesome way to not only build your quads and hamstrings but to also stretch out your groin at the same time. I like to do side and front lunges with dumbbells or a medicine ball in my hand. It increases the intensity of the workout and will build your leg and arm muscles simultaneously.
4. Treadmill
Treadmill workouts are some of the best workouts ever, in my opinion. There is so much range on a treadmill. You can walk, jog, run or even sprint. A very popular workout is the 12-3-30 workout. The 12 stands for the incline. The 3 is the speed. And you do that for 30 minutes. It burns an insane amount of calories and doesn’t feel too tiring! It is surely a sweaty one though. If you think the 3 is too easy, increase your speed a bit or even your incline. Treadmills are great because you can choose the workout yourself, so get running!
5. Rowing
Rowing is a very underrated workout, but it is one of the best workouts to build that summer body. Rowing targets all different parts of your body, as it works your arms, your core, and your legs. I used to be a member of Orange Theory Fitness, which by the way is something you guys should definitely check out. One of the aspects of Orange Theory is being on the rower. There are different ways you can be on the rowing machine. You can go at a steady pace for a long distance or a shorter distance with a faster pace. It really is up to you, but there are great rowing machine workouts online you should definitely check out!
6. Bike
Going on the bike is pretty similar to a treadmill in the sense that you can do a high-intensity workout or a slower one, completely depending on the pace at which you want to go. A lot of bike machines have built-in workouts as well which are great for beginners. Using the bike machine obviously is super crucial to building leg muscles, but also to help increase your stamina and endurance. And with workouts like this, comes weight loss.
7. HIIT Workout
Ugh. That’s what a lot of people say when they think of HIIT workouts, but they really are not as bad as it may seem! They are super tiring, but most HIIT workouts are not very long. HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training. You can do these at home, at the gym, or with a personal trainer. They typically consist of quick, fast-paced exercises like jump squats, high knees, push-ups, etc. If you do a HIIT workout a day, you will for sure see results pretty quickly!
8. Yoga
Yoga is one of the best workouts to relax your muscles and calm your body down, especially after a stressful week. Most people don’t realize how much athletic ability you need to be able to do certain yoga poses. It is most definitely relaxing, but it is also a great way to stretch and build strength in places you did not really know you needed!
9. Running Outside
Running outdoors is so rewarding to me. It’s one of the best workouts because you get to feel the fresh air in your lungs, see the beauty of nature, and run at your own pace. Running outside in the crisp morning air is such a relaxing yet beneficial experience to your mental and physical health.
10. YouTube Workouts
YouTube workouts are another great way to stay in shape and get that summer bod you always have dreamed of, especially because you can do them at home! If you’re having a busy day or don’t have time to hit the gym, it’s pretty easy to grab a yoga mat and squeeze in a workout. One of my favorite YouTubers is Chloe Ting. She posts great follow-along videos of ab workouts and HIIT workouts that’ll surely make you work up a sweat. Definitely check her page out!
