Are you ready for your bikini?
If you’re feeling more apprehensive than excited about your upcoming time out and regretting not having embarked on a bikini body plan of action sooner, then fear not.
The Simple Advisory Board is here to offer some last minute top tips before you jet off for sunnier climes and to help you enjoy your vacation even more.
Anna Reich, Simple Fitness Expert says:
“Wobbly bits don’t vanish overnight, but there are a couple of little tricks you can do to help tone them before you hit the beach. Better yet, none of these exercises require a trip to gym – in fact you don’t even need to leave the office!
“Say ‘no’ to escalators and hit the stairs. Stepping works your gluts, quads, calves and hamstrings, so every part of your beach-bound lower body. Keep your body upright and drive away with your heels. Take two steps at a time for a bigger work-out and faster results – if there are no stairs speed walk up the escalators instead.
“Make more rounds of tea, not only will it make you popular at work, but will also help tone your calves. Hold on to the counter while the kettle is boiling and come up on to your toes. Keep your body stretched out tall, hold for 5 seconds and come back down. Repeat as many times as possible until the kettle boils. Try clenching your bottom to squeeze a little bit more out of your mini workout.
“Depending on how crowded the kitchen is at the time, hold on to the counter, arms just wider than shoulder width and complete as many standing push-ups as you can. This move works your chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps and back. You can also do this at your desk.
“Make the most of your desk. Grip onto the sides of your chair (either side of your bottom) and then lift your bottom from the chair and feet from the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then relax. Repeat as many times as you can. You could also try setting yourself a couple of reminders to do a minute of bottom clenches when you’re sat at your desk – make sure any wheels are locked before starting!
“Finally, think about how you breathe. Deep breathing brings more oxygen into your blood stream. Breathe in deeply through your nose, distend your tummy and before you exhale engage abdominals to draw your stomach back in. With your tummy locked in tight, now exhale. Try to keep those muscles contracted as you continue to breathe. Ultimately, this style of breathing can become a habit that will lead to create a surfboard stomach all year round.”
Fiona Hunter, Simple Nutritionist adds:
“The quickest way to beat the bloat ahead of your holiday is to cut the alcohol from your diet – your body will thank you for it. Not only may it help your tummy feel trimmer, cutting down on the drink will also make you feel refreshed and revitalised ahead of your break.
“Get enough fibre – a sluggish digestion can make you feel bloated so it’s important to eat fibre rich foods in the weeks leading up to your holiday – think wholegrain cereal, fruit and vegetables.
“Drink plenty of water – this will encourage the fibre to work – it sounds obvious, but water really is the healthiest thing to drink. If you don’t like water, choose other healthy drinks such as fruit juices or herbal teas. This will also get you in a good habit for keeping well hydrated in the holiday heat!
“Reduce your salt – the last thing you want in a bikini is water retention and a high salt intake can contribute to this. Train your taste buds to enjoy foods with less salt. Try other flavourings instead such as herbs, spices, lemon or mustard and you will soon see a de-bloated difference.”