Getting Yourself In Shape For Summer On a Budget
June 19, 2008 – 10:30 amSummer 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.
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.
Now you have your legs in shape, you have to work on those arms and abs and your supermarket will help. At the check out, load your bags so that the weight in the bags is the same for each arm. As you walk back to your car or to the bus stop, slowly lift your arms up until they are straight in front of you, hold and then slowly lower them back to your sides. Repeat, but with your arms straight out to the sides. This will give you a great work out for free and you will be trading the strange looks in the car park for admiring ones by the pool or at the beach.
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.
Whilst on the face, don’t forget to use sun blocker. Yes we all love a good tan but too much too soon is not good for your skin. At best your face will age quicker at worst you run the risk of skin cancer. This doesn’t mean you have to spend the days under a parasol, it just means to be careful. Remember your face is in the sun even when you are not sunbathing.
From the head to the toes, as soon you will be wearing a lot of open shoes and sandals, it is time to give yourself a pedicure. If your money will stretch that far, why not treat yourself to a professional one. If you want to save money you can always do it yourself. Why not make a night of it and pamper your toes as you watch your favourite TV show.
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.
Tags: Beauty
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