What Are Core Sliders, Exactly?

Core sliders are small disk-like exercise accessories that can add an extra level of challenge and diversity to your standard home workout routine. Core sliders are commonly designed from tough plastic (or try our beautiful bamboo discs),featuring a smooth slide side and a padded foam surface on the other.

They can be used on all sorts of floors: yoga mats, carpet, hardwood, and tile. They allow for full range of motion in exercises and are a very valuable addition to your fitness toolkit, whether you're a new beginner or an experienced exerciser.

What Do Core Sliders Do?

Here are some of the benefits of incorporating core sliders into your routine:

Increased Core Strength: Core sliders activate your core throughout the range of motion, thus creating a powerful stability force within the central part.

Stability and Balance: Using core sliders will require constant engagement with stabilizing muscles, which enhances general balance and coordination.

Gentle on the Joints: The smooth gliding motion would be easy on your joints. It makes core sliders a wonderful option for low impact exercises.

Versatility: They can be used for a wide range of activities and modes of exercise that target all muscles in your body, including the core, back, arms, and legs.

Portability: Light in weight and compact, core sliders are easily portable, making it easy to carry them with you. So, you can keep on doing your routine exercises even when you are traveling out.

How to Use Core Sliders

You can easily incorporate core sliders into your routine, as this is one real and very effective way to take the intensity up a notch. Here is what you need to do in a step-by-step guide:

Warm-Up Begin with a gentle warm-up exercise to make those muscles ready for the workout. Warm-ups can include dynamic stretches or light cardio.

Variations of planks:

Basic Plank: Place the sliders under your feet in a high plank position and hold the plank with your core tight.

Mountain Climbers: From the plank position, slide one knee up to your chest and return back to the starting position; switch, then continue with this running-like mountain climber motion.

Out and in: Start in the plank position with your feet together. Slide feet out to the side at the same time and then pull them back in keeping your core engaged and your weight forward over your shoulders.

Lunges:

Reverse Lunges: Stand with one foot on a slider. Then pull that foot back into a lunge position with the core engaged and return to the starting position. Repeat this movement on the other side.

 Lateral Lunges: Stand with one foot on a slider. Slide that foot out to the side into a lateral lunge position with the core engaged, and then slide back to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Curtsy Lunge: Stand on one foot with the other on a slider. Slide the other foot back beside the working leg, behind you in a curtsy position, trying to stay as tall as possible through the body, then return to the standing starting position. Perform this movement for 10 reps before doing it on the other side.

Core Exercises:

Knee Tucks/Bear: In a plank position, place sliders under your feet and pull both knees toward your chest before extending them back out.

Pikes: From plank position, slide feet towards hands by lifting hips up to ceiling, keeping legs straight.

Upper Body:

Push-Ups: Sliders under hands from high plank position, perform push up allowing hands to slide out at bottom.

Arm Circles: Kneeling on the floor with sliders placed under both your hands, now move in circular motion to involve your shoulders and arms.

Cooldown: Conclude your workout and support muscular recovery by a cool-down, including static stretch and deep breathing exercises.

Why Use Core Sliders in Your Routine

Core sliders further your home workouts and provide more benefits, such as:

Greater muscle activation: By using core sliders, you create an instability that will make the muscles work even harder in controlling and balancing. It increases strength gains.

Activation of multiple muscles mimicking natural movements: Therefore, core sliders engage many muscle groups at the same time, hence functional training for functional fitness.

Injury Prevention: Strengthening your core, back, and arms helps to stabilize your entire body, reducing the risk of injury during other activities.

Flexibility and Mobility: The sliding motion helps improve your range of motion, contributing to better flexibility and joint health.

Variety and Challenge: Mixing in core sliders with your current routine can spruce things up a bit by changing things just enough to give you the challenges needed to prevent monotony in your workout regimen.

Conclusion

Core sliders are indeed an awesome and versatile product to enhance your routine home workout. These sliders in your routine will definitely make your core stronger and more stable towards an overall fitter version of yours. Find our range here. Try them and see their benefits for yourself!

Having strong, toned arms can significantly boost your appearance and body confidence. With summer in full swing and shorter sleeves becoming the norm, you might be wondering how to tone your arms quickly and effectively. Achieving those sculpted arms doesn't have to be a daunting task, and with the right exercises, you can see progress in no time.

Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some highly effective exercises to include in your at-home arm workouts. For the best results, repeat each exercise for three sets of 12 reps, and don't forget to rest between sets to allow your muscles to recover and grow stronger.

1. Bicep curl

This classic exercise targets your biceps on the front of your upper arm. It's a simple yet powerful movement that can help build strength and definition in your biceps.

How to do it:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart to maintain balance and stability.
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, with your palms facing forward to engage your biceps fully.
• Keep your arms tucked into your sides and bend your elbows to bring the weights up to your shoulders, ensuring you feel the tension in your biceps.
• Lower back down slowly and repeat the movement, focusing on controlled, smooth motions.

2. Triceps kickback

This exercise targets your triceps, located at the back of your upper arm. Triceps kickbacks are essential for stabilizing your shoulders and supporting movements involving arm extension.

How to do it:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing each other for a neutral grip.
• Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the waist to create a stable base.
• Keep your arms close to your sides, straighten your arms, and push the dumbbells backward, squeezing your triceps at the top of the movement.
• Hold the position briefly, then slowly bring your arms back to the starting position.
• Repeat, ensuring you maintain good form throughout.

3. Chest press

Chest presses target multiple upper body muscles, including your triceps, pectorals (chest muscles), and deltoids (shoulder muscles). This exercise is great for building overall upper body strength.

How to do it:

• Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground to support your lower back.
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing the floor, ensuring you have a firm grip.
• Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle and hold the dumbbells wider than your chest.

This is your starting position.

Keep your elbows bent and push the dumbbells up until your arms are straight, but don't lock your elbows to avoid strain.

Slowly lower back to the starting position and repeat, focusing on controlled movements.

4. Front and lateral raises

Lateral raises work your shoulder muscles and triceps, while front raises target shoulder and chest muscles, as well as your biceps. These exercises are excellent for building shoulder definition and strength.

How to do a lateral raise:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing your body.
• With your elbows slightly bent, raise your arms parallel to the floor, feeling the tension in your shoulder muscles.
• Slowly lower to the starting position and repeat, ensuring you maintain good form.

How to do a front raise:

• Start in the same position as a lateral raise, but hold your dumbbells in front of your legs with palms facing your thighs.

Keep your arms straight and raise them in front of you until they are parallel to the ground, engaging your shoulder and chest muscles.

Return to the starting position and repeat, focusing on smooth, controlled movements.

The perfect arm workout accessories

Ready to get started with your arm toning journey but don't have the right equipment? Our 4kg and 5kg pair (2kg and 2.5kg per bar) dumbbell strength bars are perfect for the exercises listed above. They are easy to hold and add just the right amount of resistance to help tone, sculpt, and strengthen your arms effectively.

If you're just starting out and looking for something lighter, try our 3kg pair (1.5kg per bar) Pilates and fitness bars. These are also easy to hold and can help you achieve toned, lean arms without overwhelming your muscles.

Let us know how you get on with these exercises and accessories; we'd love to hear what you think and see your progress!

What are your favourite arm exercises? Tell us in the comments below and share your tips and experiences with our community.

In the pursuit of a healthier and happier lifestyle, every choice we make matters. Why not make these choices both functional and fashionable? Our ankle wrist weights are designed to blend seamlessly into your home fitness routine. From HIIT to barre, these weights are more than just fitness accessories; they’re tools that can take your health and fitness journey (as well as your yoga, Pilates and sculpt) up to new heights. 

Functional Style That Moves With You 

With a sleek and stylish design, these weights elevate your aesthetics while they intensify your workout. The elasticated velcro bracelets provide a secure fit, ensuring that your focus remains on your exercises and not on readjusting the weights. The velcro strap also enables you to remove and add the triangle weights individually so you can adjust the weight to your own strength level and fitness goals. 

Gone are the days of uncomfortable sandbags. Our weights, in a variety of colours. are engineered with your comfort in mind. The soft silicone ensures a gentle contact with your skin, preventing irritation, even during prolonged use. Say goodbye to distraction and discomfort, these weights are your companions for a seamless and enjoyable workout experience. 

‘The stretch velcro makes these super comfortable to wear and to workout in. The weights are made from a smooth material so cause no rubbing or irritation to the skin. They can be easily taken off to adjust the overall weight.’ Alicia, Barreesthetique. 

What are the Health Benefits of Ankle Wrist Weight Exercises? 

Although seemingly small and unassuming, ankle weights can really add to your strength training routine and create enough resistance for an effective workout. There are numerous benefits of adding ankle wrist weights into your home fitness routine, and working out at home can enhance your ability to maintain consistency and stay on track with your health and fitness goals. 

1. Muscle toning and sculpting: The added resistance from wrist ankle weights intensifies your exercises, helping you to target specific muscle groups more effectively. When using the weights your muscles must work harder, increasing the lean mass of muscle over time. This leads to better muscle definition and toning in your legs and glutes. Maintaining and building muscle is a key area to focus on, particularly as we age.

2. Increased strength: Ankle wrist weight exercises challenge your muscles to work against resistance, which contributes to increased muscle strength and challenges the cardiovascular system. Strengthening your lower body muscles enhances overall functional fitness and reduces the risk of injuries.

3. Calorie burn and weight management: Introducing resistance to your workouts with ankle weights elevates your heart rate and increases the energy expenditure of each exercise. This aids in burning more calories and contributes to weight management.

4. Improved bone health: Weight bearing exercises, such as those involving wrist ankle weights, are beneficial for bone health. These exercises encourage bone density management and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a key area to focus on particularly as we age and during perimenopause and menopause.

5. Enhanced balance and stability: Engaging your muscles against resistance enhances your proprioception and balance. This is particularly important for stability in daily activities and injury prevention, therefore greatly beneficial for future proofing your health and fitness as you age. Try and incorporate balance exercises into your fitness routine. 

6. Lower body fat: There is a study which shows that participants who wore ankle weights three days a week for at least 20 minutes showed ‘significant improvements’ in their waist circumference, body fat percentage and skeletal muscle percentage (Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences). 

Ankle Wrist Weight Exercises for Your Wellbeing  

Ankle wrist weights can help improve your wellbeing and everyday health and fitness with two pieces of kit in one! A fantastic way to train the upper and lower body with a small weight that can be easily stored away. Some great exercises to do would include; 

Leg lifts and extensions: Add resistance to leg lifts and extensions to strengthen your lower body muscles, promoting better stability and balance, shown to be important for a longer life! 

Arm raises and punches: Incorporate these weights into your arm exercises to boost your upper body strength, tone your muscles and release some stress! You also do not need grip strength to be able to get your arm workout done which is a benefit for anyone with a hand injury or mobility condition. 

Walking: Strap on these weights for an extra challenge during your walks. You will engage more muscles, burn more calories, and intensify your cardio sessions, but remember to keep good form throughout your activities to prevent injury. Research in the Journal of Applied Physiology has found that adding light weights to a 4-mile-per-hour walk has a similar intensity as running at 5 miles per hour, which is a big win! 

Pilates, yoga, and barre: Elevate your barre workout, yoga flow and Pilates routines by wearing these weights. They will intensify your stretches and poses, helping your build flexibility and muscle endurance. 

Dance workouts: Turn up the fun factor in dance workouts by adding these weights, either around your ankles or wrists, or both! Your moves will become more dynamic, enhancing your coordination and rhythm. 

 You can find lots of guidance, examples, and home workouts to get started on our Instagram (@ampwellbeing) and You Tube channel (@ampwellbeing) or sign up to our emails for exclusive workouts and downloads. 

Your 30-minute Ankle Weight Home Workout Plan 

These exercises are designed to tone and sculpt your legs and glutes, complete each exercise with a rest in between sets for a 30-minute lower body workout.

1. Squats with Leg Lifts 

Stand with your feet hip-width apart with the ankle weights on. Perform a regular squat by bending your knees and lowering your hips. As you return to the standing position, lift your left leg straight to the side, engaging your outer thigh. Repeat on the other side. Aim for 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each leg.

2. Donkey Kicks 

Start on all fours with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and your knees under your hips and the weights strapped around your ankles. Keeping your knee bent, lift your left leg toward the ceiling, focusing on your glutes. Lower the leg back down without touching the floor and then lift it again. Complete the set on one leg before switching to the other. Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 reps on each leg. 

 3. Fire Hydrants with Leg Extension 

Begin in the same all-fours position with the ankle weights on. Lift your left knee out to the side while keeping your foot flexed. From there, extend your left leg straight out behind you, engaging your glutes. Bend your knee and return to the hydrant position. Do a set on one leg before switching to the other. Aim for 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each leg. 

4. Glute Bridge with Leg Lift 

Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place the ankle weight just above your ankles. Lift your hips off the ground, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Keeping your core engaged, lift your left leg off the ground while maintain the bridge position. Lowe the leg and repeat with the other leg. To intensify the move even more, lift your toes off the ground and dig your heels in during the bridge position. 

 5. Standing Glute Kickback 

Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and the weights strapped around your ankles. Shift your weight onto your right leg and lift your left leg, straight back, engaging your glutes. Lower your leg and repeat on the other side. You can hold onto a stable surface for balance if needed. Aim for 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each leg. 

Your 30-minute Wrist Weight Home Workout Plan 

These exercises are designed to tone and sculpt your arms, shoulders, and upper body. Carry out each exercise for 20 seconds, rest and repeat 3 times, resting in between sets. Complete each exercise and you have added a 30-minute upper body workout into your day.

 1. Shoulders 

Raise your arms with bent elbows to the side, in line with the shoulders in a box position with your upper arms parallel to the floor and your forearms pointing upwards to the sky, palms facing forward. Close your arms together with your palms now facing each other in front of your body. Return the arms to the side and then raise the arms straight up above the head. Return to the start position and repeat. 

2. Reverse fly 

Stand with your feet at shoulder width apart and squat down into a chair position with your arms extended out in front of you, pointing down to the floor, palms facing each other. Squeeze the shoulders and back and raise the arms out of the side, palms facing the floor.

 3. Arm circles  

Hold both arms out straight and move in small circles for 20 seconds, rest and repeat 3 times. Then reverse the circles and start again in the opposite direction!

4. Triceps kickbacks 

Stand with your feet at shoulder width apart and squat down into a chair position with your arms extended out behind you in line with your back. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees and then extend your arms back behind you again, engaging your back and core muscles for stability.

 5. Ballet arms 

Stand with your feet together in a ‘v’ position and arms at your sides. Raise the arms in front of the body to shoulder height, maintaining a soft bend in the elbows with the palms facing your chest and fingertips touching. Keep your shoulders relaxed and the squeeze the shoulder blades together and engage your muscles while extending your arms out to the sides. Pause and draw the arms back in front of the chest until the fingertips touch. Repeat for 20 seconds, rest and repeat 3 times. 

 Remember to maintain proper form and engage the targeted muscles throughout each exercise. Gradually increase the intensity by either adding more reps or sets.  

Our favourite ankle wrist weight FAQs 

Can I use ankle wrist weights in water? 

One of the best features of our ankle wrist weights is their versatility. They are designed to enhance a wide range of exercises, allowing you to tailor your routine to your fitness goals. From strength training to cardio workouts, these weights will add a new dimension to your home fitness programme. Even better, they are water and sweat proof so are easy to keep clean and can be used in the swimming pool to aid rehabilitation and strength work. 

How heavy should I start with the ankle wrist weights? 

The best weight level to choose will vary from person to person depending on strength level, experience, and joint health. Consider your current fitness level, your preferred fitness workouts and your fitness goal when selecting your ankle wrist weights. Remember to start light and gradually increase your resistance as you become stronger, a good guidance is to start with 1-2lb per leg. However different exercises will call for different weights and therefore they will always be of use in your home gym or studio kit. The Amp Wellbeing ankle wrist weights come in 2lb (1lb per weight) and 4lb pairs (2lb per weight) to cover a variety of exercises and workouts, they are also adjustable so you can remove some of the triangle weights to start with a lighter weight in total and then build the weight level back up. 

Are the ankle wrist weights adjustable? 

Yes, as mentioned above the velcro strap enables you to remove and add the triangle weights individually so you can adjust the weight down and back up to match your own strength level and fitness goals or to suit the workout you are doing. 

How do I prevent injury with wrist ankle weights? 

The extra weight will add a level of stress to your joints, which in moderation is beneficial but be mindful of keeping good form and using them in conjunction with other fitness methods for a full fitness solution.  

While injury risk is low when using wrist ankle weights, as a beginner try starting the exercises with just your bodyweight and then incorporating the weights as you get stronger, increasing the weight gradually as you improve fitness and strength in those exercises. If you feel any pain or are recovering from an injury, always check with a professional before starting any routine. 

Remember to roll your shoulders back and down to prevent them from rounding up towards your ears during movements and maintain a slight bend in your elbow when your arms are extended to prevent hyperextension or injury. 

How often should I wear ankle wrist weights? 

We recommend using the ankle wrist weights a few times a week for short periods at a time during your workouts, so you are not overloading the joints on a consistent basis.  

Let us know if you have any other questions! 

Our summary on ankle wrist weights 

Ready to strengthen your arms, legs, and glutes with a budget friendly piece of home gym kit? You will use your ankle wrist weights for your home workouts on repeat and the best thing about them is they are small, portable, and easy to store away. Ankle wrist weights are a brilliant addition to your conditioning routine, buts don’t be fooled, they are a tough addition which will make you work! 

Incorporating ankle wrist weights into your home fitness routine isn’t just about exercises; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritises your health and wellbeing. With regular use, you will notice improvement in your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level. Plus, the added resistance can contribute towards increased calorie burn, helping you achieve your weight management goals. With consistent effort and the exercises recommended, you’ll be well on your way to toning and sculpting your legs and glutes, all while enjoying the comfort and style of your ankle weights, from your own home gym.  

Shop your new home gym ankle wrist weights here.

With the summer season in full swing, many of us are looking for convenient ways to stay fit and active without committing to lengthy gym sessions or complicated workout routines. We want to be outside enjoying the weather as much as possible, so the idea of being cooped up in a sweaty gym for hours every week can deter us from exercising and before we know we’ve lost all motivation. 

Fortunately, you can achieve your fitness goals, stay in shape and maintain your motivation by incorporating a 20-minute full-body home workout into your weekly routine. In this blog, we will guide you through a practical and effective workout plan that you only need to do three times a week to see results. Plus, we'll explore how you can complement your workout routine with enjoyable outdoor activities to really make the most of the sunny season!

The 20-Minute Full-Body Workout

Our workout routine below is designed to target all major muscle groups while maximising calorie burn and boosting overall fitness. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the exercises you can perform. 

Warm-Up (3 minutes)

Start with a short warm-up to prepare your body for the workout - this is extremely important to avoid injuries. Some of the best ways to warm up are to perform light cardio exercises such as jogging on the spot, jumping jacks, or high knees. This will increase your heart rate, improve blood circulation, and loosen up your muscles so you’re ready to step the intensity up a notch.

Circuit Training (14 minutes)

Circuit training is a form of exercise that involves performing a series of exercises in a sequence, with little to no rest in between. It is scientifically proven to be a fantastically effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness and build strength and muscle tone. The continuous movement and intensity also boosts your metabolism, promoting fat burn and weight loss. And, because you perform a variety of exercises, you are able to target different muscle groups, providing a full-body workout. 

Now let’s get to it.

You should perform each exercise in the circuit for 45 seconds, followed by a 15-second rest before moving on to the next exercise. Complete the circuit three times.

 1. Standing Row with Resistance Bands

Step on a resistance band with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the band with your arms extended in front of you and pull it towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Try our latex resistance bands which are perfect for home workouts and can be taken with you wherever you go, so you never miss a workout. They can add resistance to this exercise as well as other exercises that work on the legs, arms, glutes or abs.

2. Push-Ups with Sliders

Assume a push-up position with sliders under your hands. Lower your body to the ground, maintaining a straight line from head to toe. Push back up and repeat. Using sliders adds an extra challenge by engaging your core and stabiliser muscles.

Wanting to make the exercise more difficult? Then place the sliders under your feet and perform a mountain climber in between push-ups. To do this, start in a high plank position, bring one knee towards your chest, resume high plank, then repeat with the opposite leg, all the time keeping your core engaged.

Our core sliders are ideal for this one, helping you develop whole-body coordination, balance and strength. They are compact, lightweight and easy to take on the go.

3. Squats with Resistance Bands

Place a resistance band just above your knees. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly turned out. Lower your body into a squat position, keeping your knees aligned with your toes. Return to the starting position and repeat.

If you want resistance bands that don’t drop or roll as you move and can be adjusted to suit your individual size and shape, opt for our adjustable fabric resistance bands. These can be combined with our core sliders if you’re looking to up the intensity!

4. Plank with Wrist/Ankle Weights

Get into a plank position by assuming a push-up position with your forearms on the ground, engaging your core and maintaining a straight line from head to toe.  Aim to hold the position for 45 seconds, slowly working your way up to holding it for longer.  

For more advanced fitness enthusiasts, add individual leg and arm lifts whilst maintaining the plank position. To do this, lift one leg off the ground and extend it backwards, hold for a few seconds, and then repeat with the opposite leg; for arm lifts, lift one arm off the ground and extend it forward, hold for a few seconds, and then repeat with the other arm. As your fitness progresses, you can increase the intensity further by lifting two opposite legs and arms at a time. 

Try our 4lb wrist and ankle weights with this exercise to add just the right amount of resistance to your plank, helping tone and sculpt your muscles. These are simple, stylish and like our other fitness accessories, easily transportable, so that no matter where you are, you can bring your own personal gym with you.

Cool-Down (3 minutes)

Just like warming up, it’s also extremely important to cool down to avoid stiff and sore muscles. After completing the circuit, take a few minutes to stretch your muscles, particularly the major muscle groups, such as your hamstrings, quadriceps, chest, shoulders, and back.

Outdoor Activities to Complement Your Workout Routine

To make the most of the summer season and maintain a well-rounded fitness routine, incorporate enjoyable outdoor activities into your weekly schedule. This can help naturally increase your activity level and give you enjoyment and pleasure at the same time, helping keep your motivation and spirits high. Here are a few suggestions for outdoor activities you could try.

Take a walk

Walking is an excellent low-impact exercise that can be done almost anywhere and is a great way to stay fit and healthy. Take advantage of the pleasant weather (hopefully) and explore the countryside, local parks or wherever you like to walk, on foot. But don’t dawdle, as research has found brisk walking to be the most effective way to improve fitness and strength.

Go swimming

Head to the nearest swimming pool, lake, or beach for a refreshing swim. Swimming is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular endurance, tones muscles, and reduces stress on joints. Whether it's a leisurely dip or an energetic swim, you'll be reaping the benefits.

Go on a bike ride

Hop on a bicycle and go for a scenic ride! Cycling is a fun way to burn calories, strengthen your lower body, and enjoy the great outdoors. Explore bike trails or ride to nearby destinations, turning your workout into an adventure.

Conclusion

Staying fit, healthy and in shape during the summer doesn't have to involve long intense training sessions. By dedicating just 20 minutes, three times per week, to a full-body home workout, you can still improve your cardiovascular fitness and tone and strengthen your muscles for a sculpted look - perfect for the summer bikini season! 

Plus, complementing your workout routine with outdoor activities like walks, swims, and bike rides will help you embrace the summer spirit while keeping fit and well. So grab your portable equipment, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy a summer of health and fitness.

We'd love to know how you get on! What other workouts would you like to see?

Summer is a wonderful time of year to take care of our ourselves, rest and spend time with family and friends. But it can also cause anxiety overdrive; trying to get 'beach body ready' or worrying about wearing summer dresses and shorts. To stop negative self talk restricting our enjoyment of this time of year, lets look at some ways to get your confidence back so you are excited and ready for summer!

Eat to Nourish Your Body

Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and feeling confident in your body. A healthy diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. These foods provide the nutrients our bodies need to function properly and also ensure we look our best.

For example, protein helps support strong, toned muscles as it provides amino acids that are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Vitamins A and C help with collagen production to maintain skin elasticity and a youthful appearance by keeping wrinkles at bay. And omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve skin and hair health.

Processed foods and sugary drinks, on the other hand, can lead to inflammation and bloating - not ideal when we’re about to hit the pool and bare all. A diet high in these types of foods can also increase the risk of weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. So it’s best to try and limit these foods and leave them as a very occasional treat.

Alongside a heathy diet, don’t forget to stay hydrated! This is especially important during hot summer months. When we become dehydrated we are more likely to experience constipation and bloating, as well as fatigue. Not exactly confidence boosting feelings. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and consider adding some lemon or cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.

Get Moving

Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, whether it's morning yoga practice, a gym session, home workout, or an evening run. But remember, exercise is not all about getting the perfect bikini body. It’s important for long term health and fitness which will in turn help you feel confident in your body and self.

Not only will exercise help you maintain a healthy weight and tone up, but it can also have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. This is because exercise releases feel-good endorphins and helps lower stress hormones and inflammation in the body, which is proven to contribute to depression. Studies have also shown that regular exercise can improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

To achieve a balanced and comprehensive workout that helps to improve overall fitness and health, try to incorporate both cardiovascular exercises such as running, swimming or cycling, with strength training such as lifting weights, squats and push-ups. Cardio can improve heart health, increase endurance, and burn calories. While strength training can help to build muscle, improve bone density, and increase metabolism.

AMP’s hot pink fitness bars are a great summery addition to your home strength workouts, providing that extra bit of resistance to help sculpt and tone your body. If you’re after something a little heavier, why not try the weighted triangle dumbbells instead?

Practice Mindfulness

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy life, but it can also be stressful at times if you’re not feeling body confident. Practicing mindfulness is a great tool for helping manage stress and anxiety and can improve your overall well-being and happiness. To put it simply, mindfulness is a mental state of awareness that involves paying attention to the present moment, acknowledging and accepting one's thoughts, emotions, and sensations without reacting to them or getting caught up in them.

Mindfulness can be practiced through various techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and body scans. Yoga is a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your life as it involves deep controlled breathing patterns, focus on your bodily movements and can help bring you out of your head. Plus, it’s great for toning and body strength, helping you feel good inside and out.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night can contribute to better body confidence in a number of ways. Firstly, it helps us feel more refreshed and energised so we can attack our days with vigour and do all the activities that will help us achieve better confidence.

Secondly, a lack of sleep increases levels of stress hormones and anxiety, which can dampen our body confidence. Similarly, sleep is essential for regulating our mood and emotions and helps us feel positive and happy.

Additionally, sleep can also have a direct impact on our physical appearance. Getting enough sleep can help regulate metabolism and appetite, reducing the risk of weight gain. Sleep also supports good skin health because during sleep, the body produces collagen which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to promote a healthy, glowing complexion.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is essential for feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin as it

helps build a positive relationship with your body. Make time for self-care activities such as taking a relaxing bath, doing a pamper session with face masks and other lotions and potions, or practising a hobby you enjoy.

These activities can help reduce stress, help us feel love for ourselves and improve overall well-being. If you have an event coming up and you’re not feeling confident about your body, make sure to set aside some time to focus on doing the things that help you feel your best.

Summary

With the warm weather and sun shining, summer is a great time to focus on health and wellness. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, practising mindfulness, getting enough sleep, and engaging in self-care activities are all essential for feeling comfortable and confident in our own skin.

Remember, our bodies are unique and beautiful in their own way, and these tips are simply to help us feel our best so we can enjoy all the fun summer activities with confidence and happiness. By making small changes and building healthy habits over time, we can achieve our goals and feel our best all year round.

Let us know your tips for body confidence!