Summer Workouts: Making your health journey last more than just a season

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Memorial Day is fast approaching, and it’s often considered the unofficial start of summer. It’s a time of having fun in the sun, but for some, being uncomfortable with their body can keep them from enjoying activities with friends and family.

So, today, we’re getting some expert advice from trainer Nichole Mouhot to jump-start an easy workout that can help you look and feel your very best.

“To get ready for summer, there are three to four things that you probably want to keep in mind. If you haven’t worked out in a while, you’re going to want to take it kind of slow.”

That can help avoid an injury that will sideline your fitness journey before it ever begins.

“But you want to think functional training, strength training, a little bit of cardio.”

And Mouhot says you can’t forget to focus on your internal health as well.

“By internal wellness, I mean nutrition, vitamins.”

And your state of mind is important too. Remember, each step you take is a step in the right direction.

“You have to give yourself a little bit of grace. Because it’s not going to happen overnight...You’re going to be two weeks in, and you’re going to say, ”I’m not seeing anything." But you have to give it time.”

After all, fitness isn’t a race; it’s a lifelong journey.

“This is not just a seasonal thing. You want this to be a lifestyle change, and you want it to last because you don’t want to just change for the summer, you want to change for good.”

And she’s seen the proof that putting in the hard work will be well worth the time.

“I know for me personally, as a trainer with my clients, it makes me feel proud to see that I helped that person. In the past, I have helped people change their lives. I always say, the heaviest weight you’ll have to push is the door.”

Remember, in order to change our lives, we have to be part of the change. So if you’re physically able to and you’ve been thinking about getting back to the gym or any other workout program, just take it one step at a time. And that first step is always the hardest.