How To Get Your Beach Body By Spring Break

Beach

Spring Break is a little over a month away. For those looking forward to a beach getaway (Fort Lauderdale anyone?) that means only a few weeks to get in swimsuit shape. Follow these tips to get the toned, Facebook-profile-worthy beach body you’ve been after.

Use Common Sense – Losing weight isn’t rocket science. There is a simple and time-tested formula that is proven to work: eat less and exercise more. Just because you are in a hurry to fit into that cute sundress that is one size too small, don’t get duped into paying a lot of money for diet pills or a fitness program that makes outlandish promises. Be prepared to lose a realistic (read healthy) amount, about 1-2 pounds per week.

Count Calories – The first step to losing weight is to monitor the calories you are consuming. Use a calorie calculator to find out exactly how many calories you need a day to maintain or lose weight depending on your height and weight. Then be diligent about keeping track of the amount of calories you consume.

What to Avoid – One of the easiest ways to cut out extra calories is to get rid of the empty calories you might be consuming. Switch out the fancy latte or mocha for regular drip coffee with low fat milk. Replace sodas for water and do yourself a favor and save your alcohol consumption for when you get to the beach. Alcoholic drinks are loaded with extra calories that won’t help you be ready for summer attire.

Exercise – The best exercise plan for those who want to get in shape quickly is to do a mix of cardiovascular exercises such as running, swimming or biking in addition to weight training exercises to tone your muscles. When it comes to the cardio portion of your workout, plan to spend at least 30 to 45 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times a week. Doing so gets your heart rate up, which burns calories and increases your metabolism.

Along with cardio workouts, plan to incorporate weight training into your workouts about three times a week. Be sure to alternate the body parts you are working to avoid injury and soreness. Don’t feel like you have to go it alone either. Check out your campus recreation and fitness center to see what types of fitness classes are offered and take advantage.

Recruit – A good way to ensure success in getting fitter is to recruit your sorority sisters, fraternity brothers or roommates to your cause. Find workout buddies and dining partners who will help you stick to your goals. And before you know it, you’ll be flexing your bicep telling people exactly which way the beach is.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yinghai83/