Summer shred

This month fitness expert Naomi Silvester from Strong 21 talks us through the benefits of regular exercise, and the best way to burn the calories ready for summer.

With the sun making a small but pleasant appearance recently, motivation for that summer body has been triggered.

It goes without saying everyone wants the desirable low fat shredded look, however, it is no secret that achieving this is difficult. Here I will tell you the most effective way of getting into shape, and ensure you are burning those calories as quick as possible.

To drop that excess weight and tone up healthily and effectively all comes down to our energy balance; calories in vs calories out. Calories are the units of energy that fuel our bodies and we get them from what we eat and drink. Men and women need around 2000-3000 calories each day but far too often, people reduce calories too low, restricting essential nutrients and resulting in unhealthy yo-yo dieting. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to move more!

Any exercise that raises your heart rate and demands more from your muscles will burn calories, improve the metabolism, reduces the risk of disease and is the most underused antidepressant going!

NHS guidelines advise at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week. Combine this with a 300-500 calorie a day reduction of sugary, processed food to help drop those pounds!

My favourite, fat-busting exercise is the simple, body-weighted squat. Squats activate the lower body and biggest muscle groups – the glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings.

The more active these muscles, the more blood and oxygen is required and the more you burn. Try the Strong21 squat challenge – 30 squats a day for 30 days – and be sure to see the results in a matter of time, as well as feeling the burn!

For more information visit www.strong21training.com