And just like that.. summer is around the corner, which means: barbecues, beach nights, and you're ready to start wearing less and going out more. Now you're excited, yet slowly but surely anxiety kicks in when you realize you forgot about your summer body all winter. How are you going to get in the best possible in just a few weeks? Fortunately for you, I exist and I'm going to help you. In 50 days you can reach La Marina greatness in just 6 easy, actionable steps and you won't need Flat Tummy Tea to get there. Get to work, stay committed and you can get the summer body you really want. By the way, please understand if you follow this list, I want to be tagged on all your Instagram "show off" pictures , let's dig in!:
Photo: Real pHousewives of Atlanta
Set tangible goals :
The hardest part of all of this is finding ways to stay motivated. You're racing against the clock and your original goal of being down 6 dress sizes didn't exactly happen. So now it's time to reshape your goals to more tangible ones. Perhaps we target going down 1 size by the summer (possible), or losing a few inches in a certain area (also possible). With realistic goals and belief in your ability you will get there. Approach this optimistically. No talk about "purchasing" your dream body- let's make a healthier version of the body you already have your new dream. At this point in the game, throw the scale away and go with goals that will make you happier this summer.
Take a break from alcohol:
I know this sounds crazy especially with Memorial weekend right around the corner, but Spring isn't where we want to waste our potential. Take a break from your wine, vodka, gin, and especially beer! Alcohol not only bloats you, but it is also full of empty calories. Which means that before you even purchased that bathing suit, you're already stuck with the "beer belly" So, cut out the alcohol, replace it with water and once you get your summer body you’ll deserve the ticket to HennyPalooza.
Avoid falling into the “quick fix” trap and make small changes consistently.
Instead of jumping on the next ten-day juice cleanse or trying to give get rid of carbs forever (that never lasts) create healthy consistent changes. If you focus on slow and steady lifestyle changes you'll have an easier time sustaining it. Anything from eating a better breakfast to adding one more workout day to your weekly program. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and we have a couple days weeks left to play with until summer comes.
Ramp up the intensity:
Don't be scared to push through. If you've been going to the gym 5 days a week, make it 6. If you normally spend 60 minutes in the gym, step it up to 75min now. Changing to a more aggressive routine will be a huge help in dropping that last pesky 5 pounds, or finally seeing those abs poke through. Time is ticking, so take advantage of it and really hit the ground running. You have to do more work now so we can do less in June.
Get your squad:
You and your friends already have summer plans lined up, from trips to Greece to pool kickbacks, so add a fitness goal. Create a group fitness challenge that everyone can commit to so you can all kill the summer scenes together. Wether it's staring a group chat for tips, setting days to go to the gym together, or even just holding each other accountable by setting a weekly goal. Accountability is key here and the support system will go a long way when it comes to getting in shape. Stay on track and once summer hits you'll be closer to that "you a bad girl and ya friends bad too" Instagram caption.
Stay consistent:
As the weather breaks, parties, events, and just deciding to go out happens 300% more than it did in the winter. When that happens it becomes really easy to say "I'll go to the gym tomorrow " and not go, or "I'll start eating clean Sunday" and never do it. Create a schedule and meal plan that is easy to follow and will allow you to be consistent. You can still have fun, but remember you're pressed for time and your commitment to yourself is the most important here. Once you've established that, this will all be easy.
All of this sounds easier said than done, and to be honest- it is. However fitness is more about what the mind can do than what the body can do. Notice I didn't give you a series of ab workouts or a super crazy 300-squat per day challenge. That's not what wins here and it won't work. Before you know it, you'll give up from frustration and try again next year. This is truly mind over matter. For 50 days (and beyond) you have to believe you're strong enough. I know you're strong enough. Don't be afraid of the amazing results that you want- they're attainable and they're coming.
