10 Tips for getting your body looking good for summer
Written By Robert Forney ISSA CFT   

Summer is here and it is time to put on your bathing suit and head to the nearest body or water. Are you ready to bare all this summer? If you are like most of us, you want to shed a few pound, eliminate some cellulite and feel good in your bathing suit. Here are some simple tips to help you get ready for summer.

1. Hit the stairs. Instead of taking the elevator, you can burn calories by taking the stairs up and down whenever you have the chance. 
   

2. Pack your lunch. Instead of going out to lunch, pack a lunch and you will have more control over how many calories you consume. Try to eat a well balanced lunch with plenty of fruits and vegetables. 
   

3. Eat at least five meals a day. That's right, five meals a day, but not five huge meals a day. Try to eat five small balanced meals a day. Digestion burns calories, and you are less inclined to overeat if you are not starving when it's time to eat. Pack some snacks to eat between meals.
   

4. Don't park close.  Most people drive around and around to get a close parking spot when going to work or shopping. Get in the habit of parking far away and walking. The fact is, you can't get lean by being lazy, sorry, but that is the truth.
   

5. Walk faster. You can dramatically increase how many calories you burn by simply walking faster. Don't be afraid to pass up those slow walkers. 
   

6. Drink more water. Not only is it good for you, but it will also keep you feeling full without the calories. I know its cliché, but carry a bottle of water with you and drink often. Beware, you will be hitting the bathroom often.
   

7. Start a garden. If you have always wanted to start a garden, now is the time to do it. And no, don't hire anyone to do it for you, get out there and do it yourself.  Not only will you have vegetables and fruits that will be fresh and not contain any pesticides, but you will also burn tons of calories doing it. It is a win win situation. 
   

8. Use free weights instead of machines. Instead of using the machines, workout  with free weights. Unlike machines, you must lift weights to load and unload the bars and you also have to pick up and put back the weights. This increases the calories you burn because it increase the work you are doing. Instead of just changing the pin, you must actually move weights when working with free weights. By the way, free weights are not more dangerous than machines.
   

9. Clean the house. Cleaning the house will burn a lot of calories. Think about all the work that goes into doing the dishes and vacuuming the floors. Every time you move your body you are increasing the amount of calories you are burning. There is always something to clean, so quit putting it off and get to those chores you have been wanting to do.
   

10. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Of course most of these tips are exercise, but you should also hit the gym about 4 times a week. Now which kind of exercise should you do? Well, you can do aerobics, but resistance training increases the amount of calories you burn for up to 24 hours after the exercise session has ceased. Not only that, but by increasing your muscle mass, you will decrease the flab and tighten up those spots you have been trying to firm up. Also, you cannot spot reduce fat, so forget all that B.S. about doing sit-ups to slim up the abs.

By following these simple steps, you will be able to burn tons of calories and tighten up your body for summer. Although these tips may seem self evident, many people do not realize how effective these tips are. If you follow them, you will be ready for this summer.