Getting Yourself In Shape For Summer On a Budget

by: IanRichards
Total views: 23 | Word Count: 782

With summer just around the corner, it is time to tune up your body and wardrobe so that you will look absolutely stunning as you relax on the beach or by the pool. Those with a gym membership will already have a head start, provided that they are actually going regularly. If you haven't joined, it probably means that you would be wasting your money to rush and join one now. All is not lost as there are other strategies to help you.

The secret is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine so that instead of taking the lift to your office, use the stairs. This is not to be rushed at. First, always use the stairs to descend, then when you have built up a bit of stamina, start climbing the stairs. Those in tall buildings should start by taking the lift to the floor below and then two floors and so on. If you don't work in a tall building, try getting off the bus one stop before your office and walk the rest. You could even go to two stops or do the same on the way home. If you take the tube to work, the stairs are a lot more daunting, so only go down until you think you could manage climbing up them. All this extra exercising will take time so you have to leave home earlier than usual. Don't sabotage yourself by being late for work and so give yourself a reason for using the lift.

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.

One of the areas often overlooked is the face. Sure you apply moisturiser and make up but you need to do more. Start doing a few facial exercises, isometric are best, as these will increase the muscle tone and give your face a better definition. This is not just for the older faces, young faces will benefit as well because a few well chosen facial exercises done now will keep your good looks for longer.

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.

If you still need convincing, perhaps try on your swimsuit from last year and look in the mirror. Whilst you are looking, check out the summer clothes. Keep the classics but ditch those that were only a passing phase. Do a little retail therapy and get some new threads, remembering what will mix and match from last year. It is amazing what can be revived. Throw in a couple of pairs of shoes and maybe top it off with a rakish hat and you are ready to take on the world.