Warm weather is upon us. And that means it’s time to shed the many layers of clothing we’ve been bundled up in all winter. Our objective is to make you feel more confident once swimsuit season comes around. Here are 5 things you can start doing now to get your body primed for summer.
1. Get your sweat on!
As much as we hate to be the bearer of bad news, there’s no simple fix for toning your body, you have to be able to fit those workouts in. Strength training at least three times a week will develop lean muscles and boost your metabolism and keep you burning calories for up to 48 hours after.
2. Drink more water
We know you’ve heard this before, and it probably sounds like a broken record at this point, but listen to us on this one. Staying properly hydrates will boost the effectiveness of your workouts and increase your fat burning potential. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces every day.
3. Cut back on processed carbs.
Breads, crackers, bagels and pasta are not only empty calories that don’t offer a lot of nutrition, but they can contribute to water retention and cause bloating. Aim for lean proteins with plenty of fruits and veggies, bonus points if they contain lots of water (such as cucumbers, tomatoes, cauliflower, eggplant and peppers.)
4. Mind your posture
Stand up straight, pull your shoulders back and engage those core muscles, it will immediately make you look thinner, and train your body to have correct posture over time. Check in with yourself every 15 minutes to develop it as a habit.
5. Give your skin some TLC
We hide our skin all winter under itchy sweaters so it’s easy to neglect it. Give yourself a mini-spa day and do a full body exfoliation treatment to shed dead skin cells, then follow up with your favorite body oil or moisturizer while skin is still damp, to keep it well hydrated.
