Diet & Fitness – Snap back into summer
Still searching for your summer body? Worry not! Here’s a fitness guide that will help you see results in just three months
They say summer bodies are made in winter, as though getting up at the crack of dawn for a jog is easy. What they forgot to tell us is that the making of a summer body requires the discipline of a thousand monks. Fortunately, summer is still a few months away. With enough effort, dedication and tips from our fitness gurus, we’re confident you’ll get your desired results in time to hit the beach.
TIM ALBONE, owner of Ritual Gym SA which specialises in 30-minute sessions breaks down the science behind HIIT.
GET SET: You have no excuses for not having time to exercise. All you need is 30 minutes to get your pulse going.
HOW TO: The science behind HighIntensity Interval Training (HIIT) is called Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption, based on the premise that you consume more oxygen after an 18-24 minute session, and also continue burning more calories for up to 36 hours. Oxygen intake helps with increasing metabolism.
ZINHLE ‘FITNESS JUNKIE’ MASANGO, online coach, trainer, and founder of Fitness Junkie on tackling our winter bulges and achieving a toned lower body.
GET SET: Have a goal in place before setting off on your fitness journey. Ensure that the goal is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Fitness is a lifestyle — it’s not about a diet that’ll yield temporary results. It all starts with making small changes and different choices.
HOW TO: Go for exercises that will help tone your legs and bum as they target the glutes, hamstrings and quads. Cardio is the best way to burn fat quicker and rev up your metabolism. To maintain a strong core, tighten the stomach muscles when exercising. Only exercise the same muscle group every two days. ANELE MDEMKA, founder of Apex Aesthetica Health and Fitness Consultancy and fitness trainer, who specialises in functional training and weight loss. GET SET: Contrary to what nutritionists and dieticians have drilled into our heads — I always tell my clients to skip breakfast as it only serves its purpose if you’re going to be active afterwards. The sad reality is that you won’t be able to burn all the calories from earlier in the day, even if you exercise in the evening.
HOW TO: HIIT training has been proven to significantly reduce the fat mass of the entire body by burning a lot of calories in a short space of time. Your metabolic rate remains high for hours after training, allowing your body to burn more fat. It also reduces heart conditions and blood pressure.