Getting Yourself In Shape For Summer On a Budget

With the summer holidays rushing towards us, you have only just got time to get into shape so that you will look good in your swim wear. Owners of a gym membership can always start to go again but it is not worth taking out expensive membership now. Lets face it if you are not a member now you will only let it lapse until next year. There are other ways to get in shape that won't cost a fortune.

The secret is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine so that instead of taking the lift to your office, use the stairs. This is not to be rushed at. First, always use the stairs to descend, then when you have built up a bit of stamina, start climbing the stairs. Those in tall buildings should start by taking the lift to the floor below and then two floors and so on. If you don't work in a tall building, try getting off the bus one stop before your office and walk the rest. You could even go to two stops or do the same on the way home. If you take the tube to work, the stairs are a lot more daunting, so only go down until you think you could manage climbing up them. All this extra exercising will take time so you have to leave home earlier than usual. Don't sabotage yourself by being late for work and so give yourself a reason for using the lift.

Another strategy is when you are carrying your shopping, lift your arms out in front of you, hold then slowly drop them. Repeat this with your arms out to the side. It would be beneficial if you had roughly equal weight in each hand. You may get strange looks now but you will be getting admiring looks later.

The body is not the only thing that needs exercising, the face will benefit too. You can do a lot with make up and regular moisturising but for real results you will need some facial exercises. Choose isometric type facial exercises, to really add shape and tone to your face. It will also help tighten any sagging skin. Just because you are young, don't think that these are not for you. It is never too early to start your facial exercises as you will be keeping those youthful looks when all your friends are thinking about lifts and botox.

The sun is there all through the day, even when there are clouds in the sky and it is affecting your skin, drying, tanning and ageing. So when summer comes it is accelerating that process and you need to take care. If you are lying in the sun wear sun blocker on your face and neck and even on the back of your hands. These areas take sun all the time so you need to protect them. You can take the sun in the first and last hour of your tanning time, just to even up your tan. Sun is good for you, but it can also cause skin cancer so you have to be sensible in your tanning regime.

From the head to the toes, as soon you will be wearing a lot of open shoes and sandals, it is time to give yourself a pedicure. If your money will stretch that far, why not treat yourself to a professional one. If you want to save money you can always do it yourself. Why not make a night of it and pamper your toes as you watch your favourite TV show.

Dieting is something that people always rush into when thinking about their summer holiday but it may be too late to start in May because what you do not want to do is to starve your body of health giving vitamins that will help your skin to tan. What you can do is to cut down on all the empty foods such as chocolate, crisps and sugary drinks and increase the healthy stuff. Foods rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, cantaloupe melons, romaine lettuce and fresh thyme will not only help in the tanning process but will also help to protect your skin from damage. Eating more fruit will also aid in increasing vitamin C levels. It is better to get your vitamins from natural sources rather than chugging down pills as the body will assimilate them easier.

Should you need convincing that you need to act now for summer, try putting on your swimsuit from last year and model it in front of your mirror. Don't despair, you can always buy a new one. Before you rush out to the shops, check out your summer wardrobe and see what needs throwing away and what can be refreshed by adding a new top or accessories. You can also treat yourself to a couple of new pairs of sandals to complete your new look.