If you need some motivation to stick with your workout routine this summer, a change of pace may be all you need to get going on your fitness regiment. Changing up your usual workout routine and schedule can help you get in shape and keep off those pesky pounds for good. Even if you're a cardio machine addict or kickboxing superstar at the gym, you can design a fresh new routine to make sure all your key muscle groups are getting a great workout, and you're still enjoying the experience. Here are some new fitness routines to consider this season - and beyond:
Workout #1: Zumba!
This fast-paced Latin dance/aerobics sequence is sure to get that heart pumping and put you in a great mood. You'll learn basic Latin dance steps and burn hundreds of calories as you finish up each routine. Look for Zumba classes at your local dance school or fitness center, or pick up a Zumba DVD to get started.
Workout #2: Tae Bo
Tae Bo is still a great workout, and now there are dozens of variations of the original workout and fresh new routines to try out. Some of the Tae Bo videos have a resistance band and weight segment that can really help you target key muscle groups; this is another great cardio activity, and a great way to workout with a motivated group of friends.
Workout #3: Wii Fit
If you're a Wii enthusiast, the Wii Fit program is one of the latest fitness trends that will inspire you to get in shape, and have fun! From boxing to yoga, you can try dozens of fitness routines that you might never have experienced on your own. There's even a hula hooping segment - and no equipment besides your Wii Fit platform needed.
Workout #4: Boot Camp Training
If you want a fast-paced cardio routine that will break you out of your usual workout rut, a boot camp routine may be the best match. You can enjoy a high energy circuit routine with pushups, sprints, jump rope activities, and more. Learn more about Boot Camp workouts!
Workout #5: Pilates
If you're a yoga enthusiast, tighten and tone your core muscles with a pilates segment that will help improve overall fitness and provide for a challenging workout. Pilates also gives you a chance to practice deep breathing exercises and reduce tension. Check out Pilates DVDs to get started.
For more workouts, check out our selection of workout DVDs!
With the summer months fast approaching, you might not be ready to sport that bikini and hit the beach. Keeping up with your workouts year round can be tough, and it's easy to slide on the gym routine when you've got work to worry about, assignments to catch up on, and a social life that fills up your calendar each week! Still, a workout is a great way to regroup and reduce stress, so you're not only doing your body a favor by hitting the treadmill, but you can also keep stress and negativity at bay. If you've lost your motivation to stick with your weekly gym routine, here are some simple ways to turn up the heat on that commitment and dive right into summer with a spectacular body!
Ways to Stay Motivated:
1. Buy a new gym outfit. Keep up your motivation by stocking up on a few great gym outfits that make you feel good and flatter your figure. When you feel comfortable in your clothes, you're much more likely to get to the gym in the first place without making any excuses. Just pack your things with you if you have a busy day and make your way to that fitness center with style!
2. Eat a balanced diet. Eating well throughout the day can keep your energy levels in high gear and encourage you to stay focused on fitness. Make sure you're eating plenty of fruits and vegetables throughout the day so you have enough energy to make it through that next workout. Lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables should be filling up your plate on a daily basis.
3. Change up your routine. Pick a new machine to tackle on each trip so you're working different muscle groups on each workout and reduce your risk of getting into a workout rut.
4. Head out early. Make your workout the first thing you do each day so you can get it out of the way and get on with your day without stressing about it. It doesn't take long to get into a healthy habit of morning workouts, so plan ahead and get your day off to a great start.
5. Keep track of your progress. Keep a daily log of workouts so you can reflect upon what worked - and what didn't - and make adjustments accordingly. A weekly log can be a great way to stay self-motivated through even the toughest times.
Summer is right around the corner, and when Memorial Day hits you'll probably be ready to head to the beach. Just don't leave home without pampering and preparing your skin! Having healthy skin year round means you need to take a few extra steps during those all-day sun sessions. From proper exfoliation to moisturizing with SPF-infused lotion, here are eight ways to get your skin ready for the beach - and beyond!
How to Get Skin Summer Ready:
1. Drink more water. Make sure you're drinking at least 8-12 cups of water per day to stay well hydrated and keeping skin looking radiant.
2. Use SPF-infused moisturizer. Even when you're not outdoors for a long period of time, using SPF-infused moisturizer will protect your skin from potentially damaging rays. Look for something with at least a level of SPF 15 so you can stay safe.
3. Eat more fruit! Fruits high in antioxidants will help you get that inner glow, so you don't always have to worry about snagging a tan!
4. Sneak in a workout or go to the sauna. Any exercise that will get you sweating can help you remove toxins from the body and improve the texture and tone of your skin. A sauna works just as well, and can really help you feel fresh while reducing stress.
5. Use oil to moisturize your skin. Pure coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil have extra special moisturizing properties that can heal dry skin and leave it super soft.
6. Keep it clean! Use an exfoliating scrub at least once per week to buff away dead skin cells and keep skin looking fresh. You can then infuse the skin with a rich moisturizer for even more benefits.
7. Get enough sleep. Make sure you're not skimping on sleep during your busy summer days; lack of sleep can leave your skin looking ruddy and dull, so keep up with your healthy sleep habits for fresh, youthful skin throughout the season.
You're the social butterfly when you're hanging out with friends and family, but when it comes to a new environment or social setting, do you clam up and turn into a wallflower? Or, do you jump right into meeting new people and make this an opportunity to build your social network?
Some people are naturally more confident than others and don't think twice about heading into unknown territory, while others shy away when they're out of their 'comfort zone.' Building social confidence can be hard, but it's a skill you can learn fairly quickly and reap the benefits of a healthy social life in no time! Here are just five ways to build social confidence with ease:
Build Your Social Confidence in 5 Ways:
1. Focus on your strong points. Before you head out to meet new people, think about a few characteristics and personality traits that make you, you. What makes you different from others? What skills, talents or aspirations do you have that you can share with other people? These are things that can help you connect with other people with ease.
2. Stick with the positive. A positive, upbeat attitude is much more attractive than a bored or sullen appearance. Focus on the humorous side of things, laugh, look for opportunities to smile - these are all traits of a confident person and can help you attract others in the same mindset.
3. Ignore the negative self-talk. If you find yourself in a negative self-talk cycle, learn to just ignore it and move on. Replace those thoughts with something positive so you're not hung up on all the negative aspects of your life when you meet others.
4. Learn to listen. Become an active listener so that other people have a chance to open up to you; this is a great way to build rapport and make a positive connection with someone new.
5. Don't take it personally! Socializing can be an anxiety-ridden event for many, but you can still take it lightly and not let anyone or anything negative get to you. Learn how to just move on from people who may be ignoring you, or even those who have nothing positive to say or share; look for positive opportunities and communication as often as possible.
groups on each workout and reduce your risk of getting into a workout rut.
1. Drink more water. Make sure you're drinking at least 8-12 cups of water per day to stay well hydrated and keeping skin looking radiant.
1. Focus on your strong points. Before you head out to meet new people, think about a few characteristics and personality traits that make you, you. What makes you different from others? What skills, talents or aspirations do you have that you can share with other people? These are things that can help you connect with other people with ease.
4. Learn to listen. Become an active listener so that other people have a chance to open up to you; this is a great way to build rapport and make a positive connection with someone new.