Become a Live Snack

Everyone can appreciate a chiselled male physique be it in the bedroom, on magazine covers, or simply on the beach on a hot summer day. Unattainable? No, but it does take some effort and dedication to get the rock-hard abs, killer quads, and nicely sculpted glutes you have so long desired.

Here are some tips to help you get and keep your body solid not only during summer, but all year round.

Set realistic goals

If you fail to plan, you automatically plan to fail. This may seem like the easiest tip of all, and it probably is, but it requires a great deal of consideration. It is recommended to give much thought to your natural body type while understanding its limits and how far to push them. How much time do you have to spare in the gym? What do you want to look like in three months? When would be a good day to meal prep? What should you snack on? All theses questions should be answered confidently and realistically. Think of your goals as a road paved with gold, and at the end, is your dream body.

Sleep

The popular social media quote, ‘No days off’ is a fallacy. Your body cannot function at its best when you are tired. Be sure to get 8-9 hours of rest per night. Make your sleep space one that is peaceful and relaxing. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about sleep aids or supplements. Restful sleep is important for your health. Make it a priority.

Include all muscles

Squats, pull-ups, and deadlifts are just a few exercises that concentrate on more than just one aspect of your body. Incorporating them into your weekly routine will ensure that your entire body gets a complete workout. You do not want to risk looking like Johnny Bravo when you could be Clark Kent.

Ignore trends and fads

There are several fad diets and trends that have been roving about between the years and somehow we all tend to fall for them at some point in our lives. Not to say that they are all bad. They might be a tad helpful, but there are no shortcuts when it comes to fitness. Eat well from all food groups, maximise your protein intake and drink plenty of water while working out. Stay committed and see your goals through.

It’s all in the lifestyle

Lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight but starting by changing one thing per week could lead to some drastic changes over time. For example, limiting your alcohol consumption. Friday – the perfect excuse to drink beers with your colleagues and share hearty laughs. How about drinking two beers instead of seven? Perhaps walking to the fourth floor instead of taking the lift, taking daily vitamins and drinking herbal tea instead of coffee could become a part of your regular healthy daily routine.

Getting that magazine-cover body isn’t an impossible task and it is attainable for everyone. Will you take up the challenge?

jessica.harrison@gleanerjm.com