by Kristi Dear, Certified Personal Trainer

This is your year!  No more hiding in your suit, wearing baggie shorts, or long t-shirts.  With these five simple steps you too can look better, and feel more confident in your bathing suit!

1.    Get your mind ready. Believe in yourself, and have a positive mind set before you engage in any exercise program! Getting a sleek, toned body is more than just exercising. It is making a commitment to yourself, and being your own cheerleader, while pushing forward daily.  Start by changing how you think, from I can’t to I can.  Think baby steps and set small weekly goals that are attainable.  Trying to accomplish too much too fast will only set you up for failure. Tell yourself that every day you are moving one step closer to accomplishing your health/fitness goals, and you will DO IT!

2.    Cardio, Cardio, Cardio. Ok I know you may not want to hear it, but it’s true, you have to get your heart rate up, and sweat if you want to burn fat! If you are able to carry on a conversation while doing a cardio activity, then you are not working hard enough.  Plan to do a cardio activity such as running, jogging, kickboxing, 30-60 min 3-4 times a week.

3.    Eat Lean to Be Lean. Eating a healthy diet will not only give you a great physique, but you will also feel better, and gain more energy to keep up your workouts.  Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring.  You can find great recipes (see website below as well as weight watchers.com) to help you spice up your meals. Eat foods high in fiber, whole grains, lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies.

4.    Weights are your friend. With men this part is easy, but so many women are afraid to lift weights for fear of bulking up.  This is not as easy to do as many women think.  Weights are good for you.  Weight training will help to shape your body, speed your metabolism, & develop stronger bones needed to fight osteoporosis. Aim to do 45-60 minutes of 2-3 times a week.

5.    Get Organized. Getting yourself organized and clutter free will help you to feel better, less stressed, and more open to accept new things. It may seem like one has nothing to do with the other, but cleaning out a drawer, closet or just getting your home/office organized can lead to a healthier lifestyle. In order to be organized with your workouts, you need to be organized in your life.  So go ahead, clean out a drawer today and see how much better you feel.

Kristi Dear is a Certified Personal Trainer,
Instructor of Boot Camp Babes, & Health/Fitness Coach.
Visit her website at www.KristiDear.com for more information

*You should consult your physician before starting any workout program.