SUMMER IS COMING!!!! Part 1

Summer is only 6 weeks away and many will be looking to lose weight,'tone up' or both!!

To achieve this successfully you need an effective training programme alongside a nutritious balanced diet!

Proper nutrition will account for 60-70% of your success in terms of achieving the shape you desire and therefore will be discussed first!!

The first piece of advice I always give is to make sure you drink plenty of water, at least 2-3 litres of water per day!


WHY DRINK THAT MUCH WATER???

The human body typically consists of 60-75% water and it is responsible for removing waste and moving nutrients around the body. It also keeps your body at the correct temperature. Typically you can tell whether you are drinking enough water by the colour of your urine, if it's dark you need more, if it's light to clear then you are probably drinking enough!

Thirst is your body telling you that you need to rehydrate, though some suggest that by the time you get thirsty you are already in a state of dehydration so try to have water with you all the time and drink when ever you can. Try to drink your daily water intake by 6pm so that you are not having to get up in the night to go to the loo!!!

Your need for water is second only to your need for oxygen!! It serves as a building material and muscle cells happen to have one of the highest water contents 70% (Your brain is 75% water). Water lubricates your joints which is helpful to the engaging in high impact exercise e.g. running, aerobics classes etc.

Water removes heat from the body so will lead to less fatigue in any intense cardiovascular or strength programme. Water plays an important role when trying to reduce unwanted fat and it is essential to drink lots of water in order to burn fat efficiently. Restricting your water intake causes your body to retain more water and this can wreak havoc in a dieters mind when they mistake the extra fluid retention for an increase in body fat.

Not getting enough water can also promote fat retention. Due to its role in removal of waste and transportation of nutrients, the body can interpret a lack of water as a major stress. The body often responds to this by implementing it's defence mechanisms and preserving its stores of fat and water reducing one's ability to achieve that toned and defined look.