Get into action for Summer

Spring is in the air and it is time to dust off the Haviaianas and pull out the shorts! Hang on just a minute… your legs haven't seen the sun for months and your tummy has a little wobble to it! Arrghhh, just the thought of having to wear shorts, singlet tops or even a swimsuit can send many back under the doona to hide, but instead of shying away in shame, if you ever needed a good incentive to eat right and exercise, this is it. Make this Summer for Fun, Fitness and feeling Fab!

Many people are so freaked out about getting into a swimsuit that they result to stupid fad diets or worse resort to pills and potions. The reality is this stuff never works! So this Spring, use it as a great opportunity to get into healthy habits and feel good about yourself. You’ll also probably want to tone up those trouble spots so you can look fabulous in your swimsuit.
Here are some ideas to help get you ready and healthy for this summer.

Cut out the excuses:

Summer is coming, ready or not. Making excuses and skipping workouts aren’t going to get you where you need to be. Commit to an exercise plan, whether it is with a trainer, at home or at the gym ensure you do something to keep you accountable every day. Why not get your partner or a friend to work out with you, too? Hey, if you’re both in this together, you will have a greater chance of being Beach Body ready. Challenge each other to reach daily and weekly points goals.

Tone the three B’s:

Firm up your Bum - it’s not just about the swimsuit. It’s also about feeling good in anything you wear. Lunges, squats and step-ups are all good for getting your bum beach ready!

Flatten your Belly - Pilates classes are fantastic for that whole core area. Also try crunches, planks (don’t forget to drag in your belly button when you do them) and reverse curls.

Lose the Batwings - Shoulders, chest, back and arms all need to be mentioned in the swimsuit conversation. Try a combination of push-ups, pull-ups and arm raises. Add in a few triceps dips and arm curls and you’re covered.

Get moving- like you mean it!:

Don’t be a wimp! It will be hard to see those arms you’ve worked so hard for if they’re buried under a layer of fat. To get rid of the insulation that just won’t budge, get going on some high intensity cardio (remember, this means high for you: don’t kill yourself trying to workout at someone else’s level). Interval training works! Be realistic, though and choose an exercise you enjoy.

Stand up straight:

You can have the leanest, firmest body in the world, but if you have poor posture, it’s all for nothing. And even if you don’t have that body, good posture makes everyone look better! For 5 minutes every hour (set your watch), make yourself feel taller by holding good posture: tummy in, shoulders back and down, head high. After a week, increase it to 10 mins. Soon it will become automatic. Try a Pilates class

Set a goal and track your progress:

Talk about a definite time frame- the first day of summer is set, not some waffly “I want to get fitter sometime” goal. The good thing about this goal is that it’s not something you will ignore. When you have a goal it’s easy to make decisions, your choices will take you toward or away from your goal. If you’re struggling to get out of bed, tossing up whether to workout, or if you really need that second helping of dessert, remember your goal. It is worth it.

Get into a class soon or join up for the next bootcamp or do both but take action get yourself out of your comfort zone and enjoy the journey to to your summer body.