Happy summer and welcome to the Summer Shred! There’s no better way to kick off your summer than by establishing healthy habits that make you look and feel your best. With kids out of school and work slowing down, it’s the perfect time to focus on your health. Plus, who doesn’t want to look great by the pool? Here are five tips to help you crush this year's Summer Shred!
1. Write Out Your Intentions
What do you want to achieve with the Summer Shred? Getting clear on your goals and writing them down allows you to revisit your WHY when things get tough. Identify three specific goals to guide you through this challenge and keep you focused.
2. Find a Buddy
Sometimes, a friend can make all the difference! Having a workout buddy or an accountability partner can help keep you motivated and on track. Whether you attend the same classes or text each other pictures of your healthy meals, teamwork makes the dream work!
3. Sign Up for Your Workouts
In this challenge, we’re pushing ourselves hard! Whether it’s six workouts a week or two, set a realistic and challenging goal for yourself. Plan your workouts at the beginning of each week and sign up for them in advance. By scheduling them on Sunday night, you'll have a solid plan to get that sweat in, leaving no room for excuses.
4. Grocery Shop
We've all been there—walking into the grocery store hungry and without a list, only to buy things we didn't plan on getting. A weekly grocery shop is essential for staying prepared. Choose a day, like Sunday, to do your shopping with a list in hand. This approach saves you time, money, and ensures you have everything you need to cook at home.
5. Meal Prep
Eating well is easy when you're prepared! Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated. Prep three proteins, three veggies, and three carb sources to mix and match throughout the week. This variety keeps your meals interesting and prevents you from making unhealthy choices when you're hungry.
I hope these tips help you make this Summer Shred the best it can be! This challenge is about more than hard workouts—it’s about embracing a healthy lifestyle. Remember to have fun and trust in the hard work. You've got this!
— Kiersten Barriss
