Fall is finally here! Time to dig up those scarves, boots, and cardigans buried deep inside your closet. In terms of fashion, this is definitely my favorite time of year – I especially love the bold pops of color that are trending this season. And of course, the layers!
But unfortunately, being bundled up in sweaters and coats doesn’t quite give me the motivation to work out. I won’t be sporting a bikini any time soon anyways so what’s the point, right?
Wrong! We’re all aiming for that perfect beach body once Spring rolls along, so why not start working for it now? Getting toned and fit is a gradual process—although I’m sure we all wish it would happen overnight. Swimsuit season will be coming around the corner before you know it, so save yourself from the intense dieting and exercise the week before spring break and start now!
Here are some simple exercises—courtesy of
Fitness Magazine—that will help you slim down your waist and get your body in tip-top swimsuit-wearing shape.
A spin on a classic ab exercise is the Side Plank-Up, which targets your abs, obliques, and inner thighs.
- Lie on the floor on your left side with your legs stacked and a rolled-up towel between your thighs. Prop your torso on your left elbow so that your left forearm is perpendicular to your torso, as pictured above.
- Lift your hips so that your body forms a straight line from head to toe and squeeze the towel between your thighs. Hold for 1 count, then lower.
- Do 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
Another great ab exercise that also targets your lower back, obliques, and butt is the Pelvic Scoop.
- Lie face up on the floor with your back resting on a folded towel, knees bent and feet flat on the floor with your arms by your sides.
- Cross your right ankle onto your left thigh just above the knee so that your bent right knee points out to the side; flex your left foot so only your heel rests on the floor.
- Rounding your lower back and flexing your abs, lift your hips off the floor so that your pelvis tilts up towards your ribs. Curl your pelvis as far as you can without arching your back; pull your abs in to lift rather than press through your left heel. Lower to the floor.
- Do 10 reps, holding the lift for 10 seconds on the final one. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
You can mix and match different ab exercises to create the perfect workout tailored to fit your personal needs and incorporating the problem areas that you want to focus on.
Starting a new workout regimen can also give you an excuse to add some cute active wear to your wardrobe. These great looks are bound to inspire you to get up and get active!
I love to throw on a comfortable hoodie over my workout clothes when I go to and from the gym, and this NEXT by Athena Good Karma Hoodie is perfect for doing just that with its zip-up feature and functional pockets. Plus the printed fabric lining adds a cute, feminine touch. Wearing this will definitely get you motivated to get off your couch and head outside for a good workout.
If you’re more of an indoor gym-goer or a hot yoga type of gal, try this fun and functional On the Bar Shirred Tankini and Good Karma Swim Short, also from the NEXT by Athena 2012 active swimwear line.
Like many of the suits from the NEXT active wear swimwear line, this suit allows you to go straight from the yoga mat to the pool and then off running errands without having to change a thing thanks to NEXT Swimwear’s signature quick-dry fabric. This is the ideal women’s swim suit for any girl on the go.
These suits are great inspirational pieces to motivate your exercise habits. I also find motivation by scoping out the swimsuits that I want to rock once springtime comes around.
One swimsuit that I’m already eyeing is the Splendid Posey Reversible Triangle Bikini Top and Side Tie Bikini Bottom. I’m a sucker for both floral prints AND stripes, so I am obsessed with this swimsuit!
No matter which way you wear this bikini, you’ll look fun, flirty, and absolutely adorable. The ditsy floral pattern just screams Spring and the fuchsia and navy stripes take your look back to basics. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns, no matter how bold they are!
When I finally decide to hit the gym—which will hopefully be soon—I’ll picture myself in this two-piece bikini lying out on a sunny beach in some remote location soaking up the sun.
Hey, a girl can dream!
XO,
Patricia
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