Although the weather this winter was frightful, the summer is always delightful. So don’t sleep late during summer vacation when you could lose weight. Staten Island has over ten different gyms where teenagers can go to get fit for the summer.
If you’re not one of those teens working on getting fit, start now.
Some activities you may consider for the summer are swimming, cycling, jogging, dancing, and walking.
Many gyms are scattered around the Island for the convenience of residents. Each gym offers its own array of equipment and exercise classes. The most popular gyms on the Island are Planet Fitness, L.A. Fitness, Bally’s, Curves, and the YMCA.
“When lifting weights, divide your workout into different body parts that you want to tone. Rest your muscles by working on these different body parts on different days. Also, eat fruits, protein, and steak once in a while. Drink lots of water over the summer too. Soon you will go from flab to fab,” said senior Jakub Pyrycz.
Staying in shape, not only during the summer, but all year is extremely important.
However, during the summer, with time off from school, you have no excuse for not exercising.
“I run four times a week, and I lift weights three times a week, inside and outside of the gym,” said sophomore Jake Goldie.
Having the perfect beach body isn’t only about exercise, it’s also about eating the right foods.
According to Physical Education teacher Dennis Barrett, the most important eating habits are drinking a lot of water, eating healthy foods at fast food places, eating vegetables and fruits, eating small portions of food all day, avoiding skipping meals, and not binge eating. Lastly, he suggests, avoid artificial sweeteners.
Most people mistake diets for eating healthy. Many diets will only allow you to lose weight for short periods of time.
On the other hand, exercise keeps weight in check, improves self-confidence and benefits you in your later years.
Many gym memberships are cheapest in the spring because there are so many patrons who go to the gym to work on summer fitness.
“Going to the gym always gives me more confidence. I always try to eat healthy, and I stay active all summer. Even playing volleyball while on the beach keeps you fit,” said junior Chris Gallo.
Trainers located at each gym will inform you on how to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
“Having a trainer keeps me accountable. I need reinforcement, and when I got to the S.I. YMCA Gus would be my cheerleader and my reinforcement,” said English teacher, Heather Prevosti. “I worked with him for six weeks. He showed me how to use the machines, how to plan exercises, and helped if I had issues with exercises,” continued Prevosti.
Another source for fitness, teen magazines often have pages of quick workout drills on body toning for the beach season.
If you are consistent with the time consuming drills, you are guaranteed a beach body.
According to Nutrition and Teen Health magazine, skipping meals like breakfast may actually add 1.7 pounds to the average dieter’s weight.
Mindless eating often causes rapid weight gain for teens, so stay focused on health during your weeks off from school.
Now is your chance to go to a gym and sign-up to get your summer body.
