To the Procrastinator: It’s too late to find your "summer body!” But not reeeeeally...

Okay, procrastinators, time for me to put my tough love trainer pants on. All of a sudden it is June and you want to be “beach ready” in a few short weeks... Usually I would say, “You should have started this ‘getting in shape’ thing in February,” but that ship has obviously sailed. I would also usually say, “Practice a little self acceptance and stay body positive. We are all beautiful and amazing just the way we are!” But let’s be honest, sometimes we want to feel a tiny bit more beautiful and amazing in the new bathing suit we just purchased... preferably in a short amount of time. Am I right? The good news is there is still time to make change if you are willing to practice some good ol’ fashioned self control. The bad news...if you don’t stick to it, then your summer body won’t be around for long. **Disclaimer- If you are looking to loose 10-20lbs in the next 2 weeks, it’s not happening. But if you want to shed a couple of pounds and tone up before you get half naked in public, keep reading!** Here are some tiny changes you can make over the next few weeks to see quick results. Stop Snacking We’re all guilty of it, but parents, I’m especially talking to you. Are you sneaking a few bunny crackers here and there? Finishing up your kids chicken nuggets at dinner time? All those calories add up. Stick to your own meals, and stop munching on processed food. If you need a little pick me up between meals eat something that will actually fuel your body. A handful of nuts or an apple, maybe? Doesn’t sound appealing? Well then I guess you don’t want to see results. 🤷‍♀️ Increase Cardio (by duration or intensity) If you’re already doing regular cardio exercise, increase the duration or the intensity of your workout by a small amount. Add 10-15 minutes to your regular run, jog, swim or spin. Or maybe up the intensity?  Try using intervals. It will increase your calorie burn and make the most out of your workout. How do you incorporate intervals?  Here's one way - If you’re jogging, swimming, spinning, or even just walking at a constant moderate pace, alternate one minute fast two minutes slow. Another easy trick. Find a big ass hill and run or walk up and down it!  You should aim to work at an 8 or 9 out of 10 on those high intensity intervals. Push your self and step outside of the comfort zone just a little bit. Your body won’t change if you don’t give it a reason to! Currently not exercising at all? Well then it will be really easy to increase duration or intensity, now won’t it? Cut the Cocktails Believe me, I know the days are long and you work hard. A well deserved glass of wine or cocktail might part of your reward system. But those empty calories are doing you no favors. Your body is burning the alcohol before any of your body fat. Plus, you are more inclined to over eat once you have had a drink or two. Would it be possible to replace that glass of wine with a healthy juice or cup of tea on occasion? Can you reward yourself with something that is actually good for you? I'm not telling you to stop drinking completely, but can you cut the cocktails down by half for the next few weeks? You will have less bloat and more energy in this last ditch effort. Lift a Weight (once in a while) I know, ladies, you don’t want to “bulk up”... Trainers secretly roll their eyes every time a client says it. Lifting a few 8lbs dumb bells 2 or 3 times a week is not going to bulk you up. Do you know how hard body builders work to get “bulky”. That will NOT accidentally happen to you. I promise. What it will do is create amazing, fat-burning muscle in your body. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism will go. That means you will look leaner and more toned on the beach. I dare you to get bulky! Not sure what to do with the weights? Take a strength/boot camp class, hire a trainer, or watch some Fitness Blender on YouTube. Don’t have weights? That’s cool there are a ton of body weight exercises you can do too. No equipment or excuses are needed to strength train!

Check Your Posture  Want to know a surefire way you can look like you have lost 5 lbs? Stand up straight! That’s right. Lengthen the crown of your head up go the sky. Roll your shoulders back. Puff through your heart space, and engage your core. You will not only look stronger and more confident in your swimsuit, but you may even start to feel more confident too. I am a true believer in the mind/body connection. Your mind will follow your body’s lead, so whatever you are working with OWN IT.  Sorry to put my bossy pants on, but I know you, procrastinator! My hope is that maybe you find these tips useful, discover that hot summer body, and then stick with it all year round. Or you could just practice some self acceptance, stay body-positive, and trust that you are beautiful and amazing just the way you are. Either way, happy summer! New clients take 20% off 5 and 10 packs of in-home personal training sessions this month. Email me for rates and info meghan@mindbodyfitnessny.com.