In the last 50-years, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition has earned more than $1 billion in revenue. A lot can be said about the models, swimwear designers and photographers that make this revenue-busting edition so successful. But the reality of knowing that swimsuit season is upon us, makes the majority of people uncomfortable and intimidated.
How can you look your best this swimsuit season? Be disciplined and obedient.
It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
None of us are SI swimsuit edition models. So why do you compare yourself to the images around you? Do a personal inventory, set a realistic goal and put a plan into action to achieve it. Losing 1-pound is awesome! Knowing that you can achieve something will motivate you to stay disciplined to your plan.
10-Minute Workout
If you want results, you need to be obedient. Simply stated, exercise even when you don’t feel like it. Your obedience to exercise will help you look your best this swimsuit season. If you need a boost in your current exercise routine, add this 10-minute workout to what you are currently doing. Try to perform these exercises three times with little rest in between sets. Remember, proper form will help you achieve the best results and minimize your risk of injury.
15-Pushups
20-Squats
15-Burpees
20-Deadlifts
20-Crossbody Mountain Climbers
Still need more guidance to look your best this swimsuit season? Incorporate these 6-steps into your daily routine and get excited for summer.
6 Steps To Look Your Best This Swimsuit Season
1. Stress Less
When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, a chemical in your brain that tells your body to crave foods high in fat and sugar. Cortisol also triggers your body to hold onto fatty tissue and enlarge the size of your fat cells. Stress can also lead to heart problems, insomnia, hair and memory loss as well as infertility.
2. Sweat More
For the next 6-weeks, try and challenge yourself to sweat more during your workout. Start by increasing the intensity of your workout. During your cardio workout, increase your cadence, which will increase your heart rate and help you burn more calories. When you do your strength-training workout, get it done in 30-minutes or less. If you really want to look great this swimsuit season, add an extra workout whenever possible.
3. 20-Minute Rule
It takes 20-minutes for the brain to feel full or satisfied after you eat. So the next time you eat, set a timer, wait 20-minutes and see if you are still hungry. By using this method, you will most likely eat less, consume fewer calories and lose weight. If you want to speed up the brain recognition process, drink water 10-minutes before you eat and give yourself a head start on feeling satiated!
4. Stay Hydrated
When you stay hydrated, you are less likely to overeat because what you think is a “hunger” signal, is actually a signal for thirst. Before you dig into the pantry, drink a glass of water, wait 20-minutes and see if you are still hungry. A good rule of thumb to see if you are properly hydrated is to check the color of your urine. If it is a light yellow, you’re drinking enough. If it’s not, grab a glass of H2O and guzzle it down.
5. Skip The Salt
Adding salt to your food will make you bloated and can last for days. Before you put on your swimsuit, reduce the amount of salt you consume and avoid processed foods (they contain high levels of sodium). If you find yourself craving salt, it usually comes from an emotional place, versus a biological one. The average person should consume between 1600-2400 mg of sodium (that’s about one teaspoon).
6. Stop Snacking
In the past 30-years, Americans have increased their snacking habits by 29%. Do you snack throughout the day, at the checkout counter, or get the late night munchies? If you snack frequently, change your behavior. Many people are mindless when it comes to snacking, so pay attention to when you snack. Before your errands, eat a handful of nuts, vegetables or fruit and go to bed feeling hungry.
You can achieve your swimsuit shape by being disciplined and obedient. Use this image and put it on your refrigerator, dashboard, mirror, pantry, smartphone or computer as a reminder of why you are on this journey.
Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication. To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.