If you read the gossip columns of magazines or you follow fitness fanatics or celebrities on Instagram, you’re probably aware that the mass exodus to the beaches has already begun. If the images of flawless bikini bodies on social media have got you dreaming of your own ideal summer body, it’s time to get focused. Not everyone looks like a model, and the world would be a very dull place if they did, but we all have a shape and a size that we’re comfortable with. Getting your beach body isn’t always about losing a ton of weight in record time. It’s about feeling confident in your own skin and being able to splash around in a bikini without feeling self-conscious. If you’re preparing for a tropical escape or you want to rock your summer wardrobe in style, here are some stress-free ways to hit your summer body goals.
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Toning and burning fat
When bikini season is around the corner, many of us try and tone up. Even if you’re really slim, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your muscles are strong and defined. If you want to become leaner, rather than thinner, it’s really beneficial to step up your exercise regime and to focus on activities that will strengthen your muscles and burn fat. It’s easy to assume that weight training will make you bulky, but that isn’t always the case. Unless you lift very heavy weights, you’re not going to build significant muscle mass. Using light weights and resistance training exercises, you can trim down and make your muscles more defined. If you go to the gym, but you usually don’t stray far from the treadmill, venture into the weights section. You can also use home gym equipment, such as kettlebells, resistance bands, and vibration plates. If you are thinking of buying a vibration trainer, you can read more about the butterfly vibration trainer here. If you’re training with a view to becoming more toned, try not to monitor your progress on the scale. When you’re converting fat to muscle, you’ll often find that you gain weight, so don’t lose heart if the numbers don’t seem to be going in the right direction.
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Losing weight
If you want to lose weight before the summer and reach that healthy BMI range, you’ll need to combine exercise with healthy eating. You don’t have to count calories religiously, but it’s a good idea to keep a food diary. Many people have no idea how many calories they consume in an average day, and this is often the reason why they put on weight. Keeping track can help you to make sure you’re using more calories than you’re consuming, and this will lead to weight loss. If you’re dieting, make sure you follow a nutritious plan and don’t deprive yourself. If you spend every waking minute thinking about pizza, you’re probably going to lose interest in your new diet very quickly. Having a treat from time to time will keep you motivated.
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If you’re stressing about your summer body, don’t panic! It’s amazing what you can achieve in a few weeks if you put your mind to it and you adopt a healthy attitude to exercise and eating well.
