03/10/12 - 1 Comment
Five Ways to Get Bikini Ready for Summer
With bikini season right around the corner, you might be feeling a little anxious about how your body will look on the beach this summer. Fortunately, if you start now, you’ll be able to implement a workout regimen that allows you to get back to your old, slim self without the hassle and stress of overworking or starving yourself. Of course, losing weight requires vigorous cardiovascular activity, but to help keep you from getting bored, here are the top five things you can do to help you lose weight that don’t involve a treadmill or running.
1.) Tabata – One of my new personal favorites, tabata is a type of high intensity interval training that takes only 4 minutes to do, and burns fat quickly and effectively. Using only your bodyweight and a single (or a couple) exercises of your choice, tabata is a fantastic alternative to running that will help you slim down for summer, while also building a little muscle to look nice and toned come summer time.
2.) Plyometrics – Similar to tabata in the sense that they only involve bodyweight for resistance, plyometrics is a form of compound exercise that utilizes multiple muscle groups during each individual movement. This means that, in comparison to isometrics, you actually burn more calories at a time, in addition to strengthening stabilizer muscles that don’t often get worked in your conventional lifting or cardio plan. Great for building a well-rounded and proportioned body without the imbalances of traditional weight training!
3.) Hiking – Sometimes, getting outdoors can be a great way to not only refresh your body, but your workout plan as well. Far too often do people confine their exercise routines to the interior of a gym or home, and going for a hike can give your skin a nice tan while blasting your hamstrings and calves for a great cardio workout at the same time. Find a buddy to take along with you for entertainment and safety reasons, and enjoy the majestic outdoors while looking forward to summer!
4.) Biking – You’d be surprised just how much more interesting bike rides can be than running, and if you do them outside, you’re guaranteed a great workout. Grab your favorite bike, plug in your iPod, and hit the trails (or surface streets) a few times a week for a killer quad workout that will have your legs looking shapely and lean in your little black bikini.
5.) Kickboxing – While maybe a little too extreme for some of us, kickboxing is an amazing cardiovascular workout that will get your body into tip-top shape in record time. Enlist a close friend that you won’t mind accidentally kicking in the face a few times, and sign up for a few kickboxing sessions at your local gym. In addition to the great health benefits and super fit body it gives you, you’ll also be able to beat off any creepy guys who come on to you at the beach. Talk about a win-win!
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