Summer is almost upon us, so it is time to think about giving yourself a little make over and have that wow factor when you wear your swim suit. If you are a member of a gym, so much the better, providing that you are actually going regularly. If you don't have membership, it may be a waste of money trying to join now, knowing that as soon as you have had your holiday, you'll never go back. Don't panic, there are other things you can do to get in shape.
Think about your daily routine and how you can incorporate exercise into. Those who work in offices should stop using the lift and use the stairs instead. To get into a routine, just use the down stairs to start with. As you get used to that, start leaving the lift one floor early to walk up, increasing to two floors and so on. If you work on the ground floor, then try getting off your bus one stop earlier and walking the rest of the way and do the same on the way home. Tube travellers have more of a problem but try using the down stairs for a while before attempting the often long and steep stairs up. This strategy will takes longer so be prepared to start out earlier to give yourself enough time to get to work. It is easy to fall back into bad habits.
That has given the legs a work out, now for the arms. As you leave the supermarket, try to get an even amount of weight of shopping in each hand. As you walk lift your arms slowly until they are straight in front of you, hold for a few seconds and slowly drop back. Then you repeat the exercise with your arms now out from your sides. Do this as many times as you can before you reach your car or whilst waiting for the bus or taxi. The odd looks you receive will be far outweighed by the flattering comments you will get in your bikini.
The body is not the only thing that needs exercising, the face will benefit too. You can do a lot with make up and regular moisturising but for real results you will need some facial exercises. Choose isometric type facial exercises, to really add shape and tone to your face. It will also help tighten any sagging skin. Just because you are young, don't think that these are not for you. It is never too early to start your facial exercises as you will be keeping those youthful looks when all your friends are thinking about lifts and botox.
Sun is the enemy of skin. It dries it and tans it so don't forget to use a good blocker when lying out on the beach. Remember that your face will have taken sun even when it is overcast. You don't have to stay indoors all the time but you do have to monitor the amount of sun you take as it does have an ageing effect on the skin and there is a risk of skin cancer.
In summer time you will be wearing a lot of open toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops so you need to get your feet in shape. Those with plenty of money can afford a trip to the beauty salon for a professional pedicure. Those on a more limited budget can always do it at home whilst watching a good DVD.
Losing weight is a worry that many suddenly want to do. By now, it is a bit too late to achieve much and a crash diet may be positively harmful as you will be denying your body of the vital vitamins and minerals that it needs to counter the effects of the sun. Three or four weeks before your holiday, eat foods rich in beta carotene such as broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, romaine lettuce fresh thyme and cantaloupe melons. Vitamin C is also important, so eat more fruit rather than taking supplements as the increase in fibre will also be beneficial. What you can do is to cut out chocolate, crisps and other highly processed food. Drink more water rather than sugary colas and other drinks.
For more inspiration, put your old bikini on and check yourself in a mirror. You will probably want a new one, so while you are shopping, you could get some other summer clothes. You don't need to throw out everything but think of what you can use to brighten up last years wardrobe. Just get a new pair of shoes and a pair of sandals and you are ready for the beach.
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