-
Step 1
Try on your suit from last year and stand in front of a full length mirror. If you’re like many of us, you’ve spent most of your winter indoors, probably not exercising as much, maybe eating comfort foods like roast turkey and heavy winter soups. Take a good look with a critical eye. Make a list of the aspects you'd like to focus on.
-
Step 2
Next get on a scale. Is your weight where it should be or have a few pounds slipped on? If they have, it’s time for a diet. It's hard going hungry eating foods that aren't as filling, but you have to decided what's better, to look good or feel good? The key to forestalling hunger is eating foods that are slowly digested, such as those high in protein or fiber. Don’t ignore your need for five servings a day of fruits and vegetable and healthy fats like Omega 3’s. You want to look good in a bathing suit, not gaunt. To lose weight, you still have to burn more calories than you consume. Memorize this mantra: Eliminate empty calories, such as those is refined carbohydrates and saturated fat.
-
Step 3
If you can, join a local gym. Most fitness centers make their money by keeping people on their membership rolls who never actually use the place. A good gym can run as little as $20 a month in cities across the US. Hunt for discount coupons for the initiation fee or in your local Penny Saver or after the membership plan has been presented to you, ask the gym manager for a discount. He could be very interested, because the bulk of that fee to goes to the salesperson’s commission. There could be some flexibility with it. Most memberships include at least one walk through the equipment with a personal trainer as a way to sign you up for a series of lessons. If you can, do so. A personal trainer can help motivate you especially in the beginning when results are hard to see. If not, take notes during your walk through, thank the trainer for her time and commit to a schedule.
-
Step 4
Another option is to pick up a set of free weights for home use. When not in use, barbells can be kicked in the corner. You can use dumbbells while watching TV. These can be had for a song at garage sales and practically never wear out. Machines, as you’ll find at the gym, are a better choice because there is less possibility of injury. They work through a predetermined range of motion and target key muscle groups usually displayed graphically on the machines themselves.
-
Step 5
Now it’s time to sculpt. Start dressing in the revealing gym wear you want to look good in and begin a workout schedule. Three times a week is all you need for strength training. It really is the best exercise to build your chest and upper body.
-
Step 6
Turn your attention to your legs. Yes you can work them at the gym, but remember that we evolved to move. Many people run. It’s a great workout, but can be harder on the knees as we age. For many, just walking a half hour a day is enough to keep your legs toned. Running, biking, and walking will also strengthen your cardiovascular system adding stamina.
-
Step 7
Finally, choose an exercise to stretch yourself into leanness. Yoga is a great choice, one that can keep you limber. Swimming gives you a more aerobic workout along the way and gives you a preview of how you'll look on the beach.
