WHY YOU SHOULDN'T FALL FOR THE VICIOUS HOT GIRL SUMMER WEIGHT-LOSS CYCLE

Summer season is right around the corner, and if anything rises during this season apart from the temperature, it has to be gym memberships. 

With summer approaching, many people enter the gym to achieve the perfect body structure for summer wear. Last year, we saw this in social media trends like #hotgirlsummer and #itgirl with millions of people (especially girls) falling for them.

The vicious cycle of losing and gaining weight 

Jashan Vij, health and fat loss coach explains that every year as the summers approach, so does the pervasive pressure to attain the coveted 'hot girl summer' body. 

"This cultural phenomenon, often glamorised on social media, perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and fosters a harmful cycle of crash diets, excessive exercise, and negative body image", says Jashan.

This 'need' to achieve a perfect body goes in vain when the winter season kicks in, we stop counting the calories because of the 'festive season' and whatever excuses we tell ourselves.  

How can we stay consistent? 

Pradeep Mehta, yog acharya & founder of Samsara Wellness mentions that the allure of "hot girl summer" and the promise of quick fixes may seem tempting, but they often lead to unsustainable habits and detrimental outcomes in the long run. "Instead of falling victim to the cycle of losing and gaining weight every year, it's time to embrace a more holistic approach to health and wellness", says Pradeep Mehta.

Here are some tips to be consistent: 

1. Set realistic goals 

  • The first step to do so is to determine what you want to achieve with your workouts, whether it's losing weight, building muscle, improving endurance, or simply staying active. 
  • Then break down these long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones. 
  • For example, if your goal is to lose 10 kg, set smaller goals like losing 1 kg per week. 
  • Achieving these smaller goals will keep you motivated and on track toward your ultimate objective.

2. Create a schedule 

  • Once you are done setting your goals, plan and create a schedule. 
  • Set specific times for your workouts and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. 
  • You can do so by downloading apps like time managers where you can track your records.  

Now, if something comes up and you have to skip a workout, reschedule it rather than skipping it altogether. For instance, if you have to go to a party in the evening, make sure to work out in the morning. 

3. Find activities you enjoy

  • Experiment with different types of workouts to find what you enjoy the most. 
  • Whether it's running, dancing, weightlifting, swimming, pilates or yoga, choose activities that you look forward to.
  • Enjoying your workouts makes it easier to stay consistent in the long run. 
  • According to Pradeep, doing Yoga is one such way that offers a holistic solution to breaking the cycle of yo-yo dieting and fluctuating weight.

"Yoga, with its myriad benefits including flexibility enhancement, detoxification, and weight loss support, offers a pathway to breaking free from the toxic cycle of seasonal weight fluctuations", says Pradeep. 

4. Mix it up

  • Prevent boredom and plateaus by varying your workouts.
  • Incorporate different types of exercises, such as cardio, strength training, flexibility work, and functional movements. 
  • This not only keeps things interesting but also ensures that you're working with different muscle groups and improving overall fitness.

5. Track your progress

  • Keep a fitness app on your phone to record your workout progress. 
  • Tracking your progress allows you to see how far you've come and can motivate you to keep going. 
  • This can be done by recording your weight daily, to see the overall weight fluctuations and track your progress monthly. 

6. Get a workout buddy

  • Having a friend, family member, or workout partner join you can make exercising more enjoyable and hold you accountable. 
  • You can motivate each other, share tips, and celebrate your achievements together.
  • Knowing that someone is counting on you can help you stay committed to your workouts.

"This summer, let's redefine what it means to have a 'hot girl summer' by prioritising self-care, mental health, and authenticity. Let's celebrate bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colours, rejecting the notion that thinness equates to happiness or worthiness. By breaking free from the vicious cycle of diet culture and embracing ourselves as we are, we can truly embody the spirit of hot girl summer in its most genuine and empowering form", says Jashan.

Remember 

  • Having days off or weeks is normal when you're not as motivated.
  • Instead of beating yourself up over missed workouts or setbacks, acknowledge them and move on.
  • Focus on the progress you've made and remind yourself that consistency is more important than perfection.

2024-03-27T05:34:42Z dg43tfdfdgfd