Fit for Life: Losing Summer, Not Fitness

Fit for Life: Losing Summer, Not Fitness

Losing Summer, Not Fitness…

It's that time of year again, summer is over, it's time to put the beach chairs away, cover the pool, grill, put away the patio furniture, hang the bikes in the garage, and swap out the skimpy tight clothing for heavier, looser fitting, warmer stuff. It's the time of the year to bake apple pies, eat comfort food, and throw your hands in the air and blame the holidays and bad weather for your weight gain and physical demise. I say you are making a big mistake. 

It has been scientifically proven that light deprivation, due to shorter sunlight hours, causes depression and Vitamin D deficiency. And due to the climate change, it is a biological defense mechanism to store more body fat for people in our region to keep warm. But with all that being said, good health and physical activity should not be seasonal, it should be a way of life. I realize that you need to turn up the intensity in the spring, because you want to peak and look your best for the summer, and eating and training at a higher than normal level is not sustainable for most, but you should never completely stop. Pro athletes train differently when the season starts, off season, and pre season, and so should we. In our “off” season, we still need to focus on our health and fitness even though there are a lot of distractions, and the lack of desire diminishes. 

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Find your motivation.

You need to find reasons to maintain what you work so hard for. One reason may be a winter getaway to somewhere warm, or if you ski, or take part in other winter activities, and just needing the strength, and stamina to shovel snow are perfect examples of why to stay in top physical condition. Here are a few things you can do to sustain. Join Providence Fit Body Bootcamp! Hire a personal trainer or coach to motivate you. When you pay for something, and put the appointment in the book, you are more likely to stick with the commitment. If you decide to do it on your own, I recommend joining a gym that offers programs that guarantee results, and hold you accountable.  Otherwise you tend to get distracted at home or in an overwhelming facility. TV, phone, chores, procrastination, etc.  I would also recommend the local YMCA. I notice a few of them have been updated and they offer a lot of activities for the family.  Another option would be to sign up at a small studio that offers yoga, Pilates,  boxing for fitness, or various other activities. There is no reason to let your health suffer when there are fun options available.  

Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and trained at several facilities in the Providence area. In September, Matt will open PROVIDENCE FIT BODY BOOT CAMP, at 1284 North Main St., Providence. Email Matt: [email protected]; check out his website at http://www.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook at Matt Espeut or on Twitter@MattEspeut. Call 401-453-3200 for pre-opening information.