DIY Summer Bootcamp

Let's sweat it out.

For those of us who have a little, erm, catching up to do on our summer fitness routine, never fear. We turned to Lean Bean Fitness’s founder Lizzie Bland for the down-low. She’s helped us through workout how to’s in the past – running us through stretches we should be doing on the daily, last minute training hacks and how to take your training to the next level, but now we’re reaching out for her pearls on how to make sure our fitness is up to speed ahead of the much-longed-for summer months.

Thanks to Getty Images.

In good news, Bland says there’s a lot of incidental exercise that you can pull off this season.

“Instead of spending the day lying on your towel scrolling Insta, spend the time moving,” she advises. “That could be a beach walk, a little game of bat and ball, a swim, bodysurf or walking waist height through the water.” And yes, this includes walking to and from the beach.

Your summer routine (for real)
When it comes to your fitness regime, though, Bland recommends getting focused and trying to get the most out of your work out time.

“Get the most out of your workouts by focusing on working to your max, engaging the correct muscles and challenging yourself.”

Here are some more of her tips to up your summer fitness, health and wellbeing.

Start your day with a work out
There’s nothing like a cancellation fee to make you show up to an early morning class. Bland tips the am as the time to feel the burn – that way you don’t lose your workout to your work day (also: after work drinks).

“Having a class booked helps you stay accountable, while working out first thing not only leaves you burning calories all day, it means that no matter what your day throws at you, your workout is done and dusted.”

Go hard
Bland suggests adding HIIT and cardio to your almost-summer routine. Be sure, though, to rehydrate in a big way afterwards.

“Those hill sprints are going to leave you feeling lighter by the day ... Mainly because you'll sweat so much.”

Lay off the rosé
This one’s a heartbreaker, but Bland offers us a silver lining:

“Opt for a fresh mix of gin with cucumber and mint, or go alcohol free with an iced peppermint tea and fresh lemon”

But it’s not just your drink of choice that needs to change come the summer months:

“Cutting sugar out of your diet is a sure-fire way to see noticeable results fast!” says Bland. “Especially around your belly where most ‘sugar fat’ is held.

“Think natural if you feel like something sweet.”

On her list? Berries, fresh mangoes and dark chocolate that sits on the 90 percent scale.

Watch when you eat
Christmas means Christmas parties and long and late summer lunches. While the call isn’t the curb your enthusiasm, Bland recommends you give your body a break and eat – where possible – within a 10 – 12-hour window.

“Christmas parties mean drinks, and drinks mean late night snacks! Try and avoid these by just having a drink or two with your meal, or if you do eat late, give your body a little bit of time in the morning before you have brekkie.”

Shop more sports.