Fit Is The New Black

This weekend I’ll be hitting up Atlantic City with my boyfriend and his bosses. I’ve never been there-and sort of hate gambling-but when Jasper told me that there were clubs and a beach to enjoy I said, count me in! The trip is also free:) Of course you know that I already workout 5-6 days week, but I really push myself in the summer months. I’ll be upfront about it, I don’t do it for health or a long happy life. I do those extra 20 squats or crunches for one reason, and one reason only: Bikini!  

Now, I generally try to save my more vapid-yet still important-posts for my other blog, but I refuse to apologize for caring about my appearance. The beach isn’t so fun when you’re worried about your suit covering your cellulite, right? Yes, there are lots of sarongs and towels and other fashionable things to hide the unsightly, but none of them are going to really help if you venture out into the water-something I intend to do. That’s why I’ve been trying to kick extra ass in the gym! If you find yourself relating to my tune, here are some helpful exercises that target areas exposed in the teeniest of itsy bitsy yellow polka dot bikinis.

Love Handles & Lower Pouch

One of the scariest parts of wearing a bikini is showing your mid-drift. This video from the girls at Tone It Up! shows how to target your waist, lower abs, frankly the entire core. I also recommend hitting up the stability ball to do extra crunches. People say crunches don’t work, but that’s only true if 1) you’re not getting the cardio to melt the fat covering your abs and 2)have a crappy diet, which equals bloat central!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoeE9VTxvHY&w=560&h=315]

Thighs & Bum

If people weren’t self conscious about their “thunder thighs”-seriously, what a horrible term- cover-ups would be out like the jerry curl. This video is a bit longer than the last, but it shows a variety of moves to incorporate into your routine. Pick a few out to try! And don’t forget, do your cardio!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF-nJkS_FjI&feature=relmfu

Arms

Surprised to see a section devoted to arms? You shouldn’t be. Many women would rather sweat the summer away in a sweater than bare their guns. Once again, don’t forget cardio. It helps to melt fat, even in your arms!! Try to pump them back and forth when you’re walking or on the elliptical. Swimming can also be a great arm workout. The videos below are some of my favorite strength moves that help firm up additional flab.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nhqz1DgzN8&w=560&h=315]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bEoe_aw8zk&w=560&h=315]

And there you have it! My complete guide to getting bikini ready. It’s still not to late. To see more muscle definition I also recommend getting tanned. DON’T GO INTO THE SUN OR TANNING BED!!! You might as well pray for wrinkles and cancer-yuck! Instead, opt for self tanner. You can purchase L’Oreal Sublime Bronze for less than $10 bucks at Drugstore.com!

How do you get ready for the beach?