Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
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Summertime has arrived, at least in the Northern hemisphere! We are thinking about getting in shape so we can feel more confident in that bikini, bathing suit, or even just the less forgiving wardrobe of warmer weather. Unfortunately, a lot of women make some avoidable fitness mistakes while trying to look better for summer. Here are a few you can avoid next time you go for that toned up beach bod.
Not starting a fitness routine early enough
Let’s get real here: there is no quick fix for the extra pounds and inches gained over the winter. I know it’s all over the net and in magazines that you can have the perfect bikini body in a matter of weeks. But it’s not true. You need to start working out at least a few months beforehand if you want to look and feel your best. As I discussed here, you need to make small gradual changes if you want to make good progress in time for your vacation or pool days. Make a plan or follow one you’ve found to work for you as early as the beginning of spring for best results. This also gives you some wiggle room just in case you have set backs, illness, injury, or other emergencies.
Spending loads on gym equipment
Another fitness mistake that women make chasing the perfect bikini bod is they spend far too much on gym equipment. There are many quality exercises you can do without spending a dime on equipment. Also, you don’t need to go and get a gym membership if you want to get the perfect bikini body. Again, think about what exercises you can do at home that will give you the same results. I dance, do online workout videos, use the natural weight and resistance of my body, and even those plain old calisthenics learned in grade school to get in shape…it all helps! There are also so many free guides on YouTube and other blogs. Check out reviews on sites such as http://www.bikinibodyguidereview.com. That way, you will know what others have experienced and, if you do need to invest, you won’t get ripped off.
Setting unrealistic goals
Another common fitness mistake is setting unrealistic goals. You aren’t going to look like a super model in a month. Also, consider your body type and what its potential is. Choose a target size, weight and measurement that fits you, your age, and your shape. You may just need to tone up one or two areas to really attain the look you are wanting. This may be more doable than revamping your whole body in a short period of time. Set a realistic goal that you can achieve by focusing on particular areas you feel need improvement.
Not doing any toning exercises
Another fitness mistake women make when they idealize that perfect body is not doing enough toning exercises. They focus mainly on cardio, which targets excess fat mostly. You also need to do toning exercises to not only increase your metabolism but give that tight, sculpted look. Lifting weights, yoga and Pilates are great ways to tone up. You can find some Pilates workouts on http://greatist.com/move/mat-pilates-workout. Yoga and Pilates can also help you improve your posture, which always makes anyone look younger and more confident. As it says on http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-bikini-countdown, you can look several pounds thinner with good posture.
A couple final tips: remember to give yourself enough time to recover before working out again the next day. Otherwise, you won’t put in 100% the next day as you could be sore and tired. Also, make sure you are eating a healthy diet as well to get your ideal bikini body.
