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Looking Great For Summer That Won't Break The Bank.

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Written by Ian Richards

Thursday, 19 June 2008

by IanRichards

With summer just around the corner, it is time to tune up your body and wardrobe so that you will look absolutely stunning as you relax on the beach or by the pool. Those with a gym membership will already have a head start, provided that they are actually going regularly. If you haven't joined, it probably means that you would be wasting your money to rush and join one now. All is not lost as there are other strategies to help you.

The secret is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine so that instead of taking the lift to your office, use the stairs. This is not to be rushed at. First, always use the stairs to descend, then when you have built up a bit of stamina, start climbing the stairs. Those in tall buildings should start by taking the lift to the floor below and then two floors and so on. If you don't work in a tall building, try getting off the bus one stop before your office and walk the rest. You could even go to two stops or do the same on the way home. If you take the tube to work, the stairs are a lot more daunting, so only go down until you think you could manage climbing up them. All this extra exercising will take time so you have to leave home earlier than usual. Don't sabotage yourself by being late for work and so give yourself a reason for using the lift.

Now you have your legs in shape, you have to work on those arms and abs and your supermarket will help. At the check out, load your bags so that the weight in the bags is the same for each arm. As you walk back to your car or to the bus stop, slowly lift your arms up until they are straight in front of you, hold and then slowly lower them back to your sides. Repeat, but with your arms straight out to the sides. This will give you a great work out for free and you will be trading the strange looks in the car park for admiring ones by the pool or at the beach.

One of the areas often overlooked is the face. Sure you apply moisturiser and make up but you need to do more. Start doing a few facial exercises, isometric are best, as these will increase the muscle tone and give your face a better definition. This is not just for the older faces, young faces will benefit as well because a few well chosen facial exercises done now will keep your good looks for longer.

Whilst on the face, don't forget to use sun blocker. Yes we all love a good tan but too much too soon is not good for your skin. At best your face will age quicker at worst you run the risk of skin cancer. This doesn't mean you have to spend the days under a parasol, it just means to be careful. Remember your face is in the sun even when you are not sunbathing.

With the coming of the sun, so the toes start to make an appearance as sandals, open toed shoes and flip flops start being bought out of the closet. After a winter stuffed into boots they need some care and attention. If your budget will run to it, your local beauty salon will be able to give you a fine pedicure but you can do your own. Get your stuff together and do it whilst watching a movie so it won't seem such a chore.

Dieting is something that people always rush into when thinking about their summer holiday but it may be too late to start in May because what you do not want to do is to starve your body of health giving vitamins that will help your skin to tan. What you can do is to cut down on all the empty foods such as chocolate, crisps and sugary drinks and increase the healthy stuff. Foods rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, cantaloupe melons, romaine lettuce and fresh thyme will not only help in the tanning process but will also help to protect your skin from damage. Eating more fruit will also aid in increasing vitamin C levels. It is better to get your vitamins from natural sources rather than chugging down pills as the body will assimilate them easier.

For more inspiration, put your old bikini on and check yourself in a mirror. You will probably want a new one, so while you are shopping, you could get some other summer clothes. You don't need to throw out everything but think of what you can use to brighten up last years wardrobe. Just get a new pair of shoes and a pair of sandals and you are ready for the beach.

About the Author:

Author, Ian Richards is a writer on many subjects of women's interest. As well as womens fitness read his tips on facial anti ageing .

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