Goodbye summer cocktails & hello workout pants. Summer’s over, and for most of us, that means it’s time to get back to our workout routines.

Just in case that doesn’t sound so enticing (doesn’t it though?), we’ve prepared a healthy dose of pep-talk and a list of things that are guaranteed to get you excited about this season’s workout sessions. Keep reading!

It’s cold – but it’s burning more fat

A recent study in Men’s Health might be bringing you the motivation needed to get out there in the cold. It seems that we burn twice as much fat in a cold environment by doubling the amount of energy burned. This happens thanks to an acid found in our muscles called SLN.

Higher levels of SLN are linked to lower levels of obesity, and both exercise and cold activate this acid, making it ideal to work out in colder weather if you’re looking to burn some of that summer fat off.

Kick ass in your new fitness gear

It might be vain, but it’s worth it. If you haven’t picked out your new season workout gear yet, we recommend you do so.

Long sleeves and pants instead of shorts are necessary in this weather, and rocking your new outfit might bring you some of that extra motivation and enthusiasm you need to get out there.

Warm up inside

It’s cold and dark outside in the mornings, so why not take advantage of those extra couple of minutes of warm up and get ready to brace the weather on the inside?

Getting your body warmed up before it has to start warming itself might be the extra buffer time that makes your fall workout easier to manage.

Besides, the extra time spent indoors will also help you prepare mentally before you walk out the door.

Start something new

We did say you should get back into your workout routine this fall, but who said it should be the same exercise you’ve been doing so far?

Take the advantage of your time away from exercise and use this fresh start to try out something new.

Maybe you’ve always trained at your local gym, so why not exchange it for the great outdoors?

Or maybe you’ve always wanted to try yoga?

Or a new class that has always sounded interesting?

It’s easier to try these out while you’re starting anew.

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We at BodyBarista are excited about getting back to the gym after a summer break from it, as well as running in the Danish fall landscape through the red and yellow leaves. What gets you excited about this season?

The post Fall back into your fitness routine appeared first on BodyBarista.

Are you the person who enjoys a good workout more than a relaxing spa weekend?

Do you run, play tennis, walk a lot, do yoga or practice other activities?

Check out some of these cool boot camps, trips and vacations you can take this summer where you can be your active self AND travel at the same time!

High temperatures are the keyword.

Fitness vacations in Europe

A post shared by No1 Bootcamp (@no1_bootcamp) on May 4, 2018 at 10:46am PDT

If you’ve always been into military-style training, consider a boot camp in Norfolk, Spain, or Portugal this summer. It will align with your goal, too. Whether you want to lose fat, kick-start your training routine, or enjoy a luxury fitness holiday, No1 Bootcamp has it – and in a reasonable price range, too. With former Royal Marines as coaches, you’re guaranteed a unique and unforgettable experience.

Prices start from £995

Looking for something in Italy? How about setting camp at Lake Como for a ‘Curve building retreat‘. Yes, this is something for the ladies, as it introduces some fun Brazilian exercises such as capoeira or Bossanova yoga. Sounds intriguing? This is the chance to try something out of the ordinary this summer.

Prices start from £770

A post shared by Country Walkers (@country_walkers) on Oct 21, 2016 at 8:15am PDT

If you enjoy walking, check out some of the tours offered by Country Walkers in Italy’s every corner, on the pricier side.

A post shared by Bay Fitness (@blakeybayfitness) on Jun 10, 2018 at 9:38am PDT

Into the French countryside? Plenty of exercise to get there, like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, fitness – and many more fun social activities in a Reboot retreat in the Biarritz area of France. Rural France, also known as Europe’s California awaits you!

Prices start from £799

Fitness vacations in the US

A post shared by Backroads (@backroadstravel) on Mar 20, 2018 at 11:10am PDT

When staying within or traveling to the US, California is an obvious choice, not in the least bit because of its wine culture. Try one of the many bike tours by the coast, in Death Valley or through the vineyards. The tours offered by Backroads suit your single, couple or family needs, and if you also enjoy hiking and walking, there are all the more options to choose from.

Prices vary

A post shared by Miraval Resorts (@miravalresorts) on Apr 21, 2018 at 3:34am PDT

If you like it extra hot, Arizona is also a great place to enjoy your active vacation. From hiking to mountain biking and fitness classes, all the way to yoga and wellness classes, the Miraval resort seems to have it all, set in an idyllic land. Great opportunity to experience the desert!

Fitness vacations in Asia

A post shared by Health and Fitness Travel (@healthandfitnesstravel) on Mar 14, 2018 at 3:22am PDT

If you’re looking for a more exotic far-away land, Thailand might have what you’re looking for. Lose weight, play tennis, do a triathlon, detox or enjoy a vacation at the Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort with top sport and fitness coaches this summer, all on the island of Phuket.

Prices start from £385

A post shared by TITAN FITNESS CAMP (@titanfitnessthailand) on May 29, 2018 at 5:20am PDT

Or how about a hardcore fitness camp with Titan? Located on the same Phuket island, this boot camp promises wonders for those who are looking to see a drastic change in their body. Titan Fitness guarantees a fun boot camp tailored to your needs on this tropical island in Thailand.

Prices vary

+Tips

Not looking to travel, just want to stay active in the sun? Try out these 8 different activities we wrote about that are best – or exclusively – enjoyed in the summer.

The most important thing is to stay active no matter where you are. There are so many fun activities you can do out in the sun that you just shouldn’t miss, and are guaranteed to make your summer more exciting.

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Still on the lookout for the best way to get into your beach body? Read our 3 step recipe for it or try out Men’s Health 4 week workout plan.

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Do you know of any fitness vacations we should try this summer in the area where you live in? Share in a comment below!

The post Fitness vacations: 7 places to go to this summer + tips appeared first on BodyBarista.

Summer is a lot about enjoying the view and the weather, and that’s what we think your workout should also be about during this season. Why melt away in a fitness center when you could enjoy these things in the great outdoors while also working out just as effectively? There are also a lot of exercises which can best – or only – be enjoyed in the summer.

Make this summer a memorable one with the following exercises and workouts.

1. A nice morning run

Starting your day with exercise is proven to have a beneficial effect on the entire day. Mix that with the sunny morning views and the additional vitamin D you get to soak up during the run,  and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a successful morning. Chances are, you’ll even have company – people are more active in the morning during summer.

+ As a bonus, you also get to pick up coffee at your local coffee shop on the way home. 

2. Calisthenics in street workout spots

Calisthenics focuses on bodyweight exercises, which are easy and fun to do at your local workout spot. All you need is a bar, some space and your own bodyweight, so it’s very easy to start.

Push ups, pull ups, squats, dips, sprints are some of the exercises you can do. Couple of reps of these, and you’re set. You might also meet fellow calisthenic fans and get to socialize with your next door neighbour.

3. Hiking 

Hiking is one of the most demanding workouts, with a high fat burn rate. In the summer, it’s also an exercise that can be very pleasant. Think of it as a walk, only at a higher altitude and bigger steps. The point is to enjoy the view, while working out at the same time. It doesn’t have to be an exotic place, either. Choose something nearby that is easily accessible in the weekend, and promises a picturesque setting. Get yourself a good pair of hiking footwear and don’t forget your sunscreen.

4. Rooftop yoga

Another beauty of the summer season is its sunset. If you have access to a rooftop with enough space to practice yoga, try taking up your mat one day and following a yoga routine while the sun sets. The view coupled with the exercise will make it into an unforgettable experience.

If you don’t have a rooftop, try finding a spot in a nearby park where you could catch a sunset just as beautiful.

5. Road Cycling

Similarly to walking, road cycling is again all about the views, coupled with the satisfaction of physical effort. It’s the fastest way of enjoying the scenery, too, so you’ll enjoy a special adrenaline rush to it.

And there’s just something about the adventure of a road bike tour shared with friends or loved ones that ties people together. Try finding a bike route that fits your needs and get ready for it one sunny weekend. Don’t forget sunscreen.

6. Swimming

If you enjoy outdoor swimming and have access to it, why not make it into a workout routine? Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do, as it uses every muscle group in your body.

Exercising your swimming skills is never a bad idea; plus, the dry down that follows the swim can be particularly nice if enjoyed in the sun. 

7. Paddleboarding

If you enjoy water, you’ll like this exercise, which mixes the aquatic and the open air experience. Standing on a board while paddling, as well as making progress takes quite some effort, too, so if it’s a full body workout you’re looking for, look no further.

For cooling off, you can just lay down on your board and enjoy the relaxing feel of the water. Improves balance and reduces stress, so it’s an all around feel good exercise you definitely should try.

8. Beach volleyball

Played on a beach, in the sun, in shorts, – what’s not to like about it? Volleyball is a social exercise that is demanding and fun at the same time. Summer is the only time you get the chance to play it by the beach, so start now.

You don’t need 10 people to get started, the fewer people on the field, the bigger distances each of you have to cover, which in turn means more exercise. Everyone looks great playing beach volleyball!

Which one should you choose?

We’ve put together this list of fun accessible summer exercises to inspire you to switch up your gym routine with an outdoor workout this summer. No matter which one you go for, you are guaranteed to have a good time. As a rule of thumb, make sure you’ve got the proper gear, active wear and are familiar with the basics of the exercise, so you stay clear of injuries. And don’t forget sunscreen!

The post 8 summer exercises not to miss appeared first on BodyBarista.

Summer is almost upon us, the weather is getting warmer by the day, and as you start wearing fewer and fewer clothes, you notice you’re not as in shape as you thought you were. Those shorts don’t look good on you, your legs need more training, and you definitely can’t wear slim tops, because you’re not slim enough… And if you’re a guy, you might not like the way your arms look in T-shirts, and even though you would love to wear tank tops in this heat, you can’t afford to show off your upper body flabbiness. The thought strikes you: if you’re not happy wearing shorts, skirts and little clothes in general, how are you supposed to feel comfortable in your bikini or trunks?

There will be no miracles here. If you want to be fit this summer, you gotta earn it. The good news is, it’s not too late to start working on your summer body! Here’s what we think is a good way to get started.

1. Start with a training plan/schedule

If you don’t have a routine you follow (and you probably don’t if you’re reading this post), find one that works for you. You’re short on time and you need a schedule, so this is not the time to start experimenting. If you want that beach body in 6-12 weeks, best get started soon and with a plan that will help you get there. Men’s Health has great Summer Training Plans that start from 4 weeks and up to 12 weeks with expert help on how to lose fat, gain muscle, build biceps etc. For the ladies out there, Kayla’s Bikini Body Guide is known to do wonders. If you’d like a less pricey option, check out the Beach Body Guide that promises the desired results in 3 weeks. 

Start today – don’t wait until the weekend, next Monday, next week. Let your motivation work to your benefit.

2. Measure yourself along the way

The best predictor of success is seeing your results and that your hard work is paying off. You will most likely start seeing results already after 2-3 weeks of exercising, so use that to your benefit and measure yourself so you can see the changes in inches. It will be a great motivation to stay focused on your end goal and continue your beach body plan. It’s not easy to put in those hours of hard work, so you want to make sure you have all the motivation you can get. And you don’t want to stop on the way, either! If you can see how far you’ve come from Day 1, you’ll be more willing to continue towards your end goal. You can measure yourself with BodyBarista for free at the gym.

3. Celebrate the small successes 

Let’s say your beach body plan is 12 weeks long. Take time to acknowledge the results along the way. Celebrate the first time you feel better about how you look and how your clothes fit. Celebrate the first time you can wear something you didn’t feel comfortable wearing before you started the workout plan. And don’t forget to celebrate the big changes you see in BodyBarista. This way, you’ll enjoy the process more, as well as motivate yourself further. After all, you should be feeling good about yourself no matter how you look – getting that beach body is just the cherry on the top of your summer.

+ Extra Tip: Train with a friend

Studies show that demanding fitness results are better achieved when carried out in pairs or groups. You are probably not the only one who would like to look better this summer – ask one of your friends to join you in your fitness endeavor! That way, you’ll motivate each other, have a partner in crime, and the best part, celebrate your successes together. 

So, are you ready to get into your beach body?

The post Get that Beach Body with these 3 steps appeared first on BodyBarista.