Getting in shape for summer

EVERYONE wants to look good in the summer, whether donning the bikini or simply the shorts. According to Teresa Davoren, manager with Ozone Health and Fitness in Ennis, summer is a peak time for toning up and trimming down.
“There are certain times of the year when you see an increase in membership. Pre-Christmas is a big one, as everyone wants to be in his or her best party shape. They are catching up with friends and family they may not have seen all year… so of course they want to look great. January is also a very popular time. We all like a fresh start and what better way to do that than by getting fit and healthy to tackle the new year ahead. Summer is another very popular time. We peel away the layers of winter clothes and we don’t want to feel self-conscious about how we look in our summer clothes. There’s really nothing better than being able to get out and enjoy the long summer days and nights. Being fit and toned gives you that confidence and the feel-good factor to do so,” Teresa says.
While every body is different, there are certain key areas that many people want to target through exercise.
“The most common area would be the tummy. It goes without saying, everyone wants to have that six-pack look, with ripped abs. The arms too are a major target area.  Everyone wants sculpted arms that look great in t-shirts and vests. Then comes legs and butts. Strong, shapely legs always look good no matter what you wear,” she explains.
For those who haven’t begun a training ritual, all is not lost.
“This is a great time to get fit and tone up. Get yourself some comfortable training gear, it doesn’t have to cost the earth but it will get you motivated to start. If you have the option of a personal trainer and a gym that’s great because it takes the thinking out of it for you, you just have to turn up. Otherwise, choose an activity that you enjoy, maybe something you participated in years ago, a sport, walking, cycling, whatever you can manage. Choose an activity that won’t have you turning your world upside down to keep up,” Teresa advises.
“This time of year is really a great time to get started on a fitness plan or perhaps if you started a while back and haven’t done anything about it since then. It really is much easier to motivate yourself in nice weather. Also, be patient, all good things come to those who wait and that’s not to say that you will have to wait forever for your results but you do have to be realistic and if you get started on a proper health and fitness programme and have your diet reviewed, you could be seeing results sooner that you think.
“On a final note, all of the above begin with a first step, so whether you are 12 or 112 there is always a good time to start looking after yourself. Keep a positive attitude and you will achieve whatever you put your mind to,” Teresa concludes.