Summer is the time when you no longer have to hide behind oversized sweaters and pullovers. It is the time to show some skin! Over the winter months, if you have had little to do with physical activity and given in to the craving of stuffing yourself on winter evenings, chances are high that you are reluctant to get into revealing summer clothing. The good news is that it is possible to shed extra baggage more easily during the warmer months as compared to winters, provided you give all the soft drinks a pass. To get in shape follow a definitive plan of action.
- If your back and abdominal region are your areas of fat accumulation, doing a combination class of pilates and power yoga will show results faster than other routines. Aim for three combination classes with cardio vascular activity on the rest of the days.
- People with a heavy lower body should aim to enrol in kickboxing, step workouts or other weight bearing cardio routine at least thrice a week. If you have a lot of fat to shed, then aim for a combination of classes and, or running and walking for a total of five to six times a week.
- For those of you looking for overall fat reduction and a sleek toned look; opt for a combination of power yoga and weight training. It should be done on alternate days of the week.
- A good deep tissue massage at the end of your workout week is a must for recovery and removing toxin accumulation and excess body water. In addition, a spa salt rub post the massage will work wonders on the skin as well as assist in the removal of toxins.
- Summer is the time to keep hydration levels high. Use only naturally cooling drinks like water, nimbu paani (without sugar), green tea, buttermilk and coconut water. Sweetened sherbets or flavoured soft drinks will only add to your woes of an expanding waistline.
- Get a minimum of seven to eight hrs of sleep daily. A sleep deprived body can neither help you work or workout well, but can leave you tired and bloated. Over a period of sleep deprivation, fat accumulation is faster and can counter all your healthy efforts.
- Finally be sure to fill up on natural produce (especially water filled fruits and veggies), stay away from packaged and fast foods and keep healthy snacks in hand to eat a small meal every 3 to 4 hours. Long gaps in eating can leave you famished and craving junk food.
Finally do remember your body reflects your lifestyle. Keep that healthy and you are sure to look stunning this summer!
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