Swimsuit season hits everyone differently. Some folks are pumped to dust off their swimsuits and dive into summer fun, while others might feel a bit uneasy about the idea. If the thought of slipping into a swimsuit makes you want to skip beach days, you’re definitely not alone.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let that stop you from enjoying the water. Getting your summer body ready doesn’t have to be a dreadful chore. Whether you're a busy mom juggling a million things or just someone wanting to feel great in a bikini, there are simple ways to get bikini-ready fast.
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Where Does Fat Impact You the Most?
Swimsuits are meant to let you move freely and enjoy time by the water, but they often feel like they’re highlighting our insecurities instead. Many women have areas they feel self-conscious about when slipping into a swimsuit. Here are some common concerns:
Arms: Lots of women feel sensitive about their arms, often calling them “flabby.” Most swimsuits, especially bikinis, leave your arms completely exposed, which can be uncomfortable for some.
Stomach: The tummy is a big source of worry, especially for moms concerned about how their post-baby belly will look in a swimsuit.
Legs: Our legs, particularly the thighs, often make us self-conscious because of body fat.
Posterior: The butt is another area where fat tends to gather. Some swimsuits offer full coverage, but many bikinis have higher cuts, leaving more exposed.
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While you're working towards your ideal bikini body, remember that choosing a swimsuit that flatters your body type can help manage these "problem areas." It’s all about finding something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Enjoy the water and have fun!
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1. Assess where you are right now.
Perhaps you walk daily or frequent the gym a few times a week. Maybe you’ve been less active this winter and are looking to increase your movement now that the weather has improved. Wherever you may be along your journey, it’s important that you’re honest with yourself about your fitness and lifestyle habits, in order to make small, measureable improvements that are sustainable.
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2. Map out your goals.
If you want to be beach ready by summer, it’s time to get clear on exactly what that means for you. If you want to improve your muscle tone and definition, you may want to increase your resistance training at the gym or sign up for a local boot camp.
Grab a sheet of paper and write down what you want to achieve and by when. Break down your goal into small ‘mini-goals’ to support your weekly success.
For example, if your goal is to lose a couple of pounds that you may have gained over the winter months, you might want to set yourself a target of one pound per week, so it’s achievable. With a detailed plan of action, a few nutritional adjustments and a commitment to increasing your daily activity, you can certainly reach your goal.
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3. Give as much detail to your goals as possible.
Vague goals and timelines can easily get side-tracked when you have a busy schedule. Print off a 30-day calendar and give yourself a goal each week to work toward. Week one could be bringing your lunch to work from Monday to Friday, trying to increase your water intake or adding a serving of fresh vegetables to your lunch and dinner. Whatever you decide, write it down and journal your progress. You’re much more likely to succeed if you’re holding yourself accountable.
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4. Measure your progress.
By keeping a journal, you can identify where your biggest challenges are. For example, evening snacking is a common setback for people. If you’re noticing that this is common for you, it might be useful to make sure that you’re having a balanced dinner to prevent late night hunger. If it’s out of habit, it might be time to switch up your evening routine, so that you’re less likely to encounter the boredom.
Body measurements are also very helpful when you’re looking to ‘tone up’, as they can be a good indicator of overall body composition changes.
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5. Take action.
It doesn’t matter where you begin, as long as you start. Oftentimes, we can overthink things and get discouraged before we even start. Choose one or two things that you can do this week to help bring you closer to your swimsuit goals.
It’s amazing how quickly time flies, so if you’ve been thinking about making some improvements, don’t wait! Remember, it’s important to be physically active year-round, not just for the beach, but also for overall health and wellness benefits.
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An Easy Workout Routine to Follow
Here's a straightforward workout routine to help you stay fit and active. Let’s break it down:
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Dumbbell Swing (60 seconds): Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell with both hands. Squat down and swing the dumbbell between your legs. As you stand up, swing it up to chest height.
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Chest Press Punch Up (45 seconds): Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Tighten your abs, lift your right shoulder off the floor, and punch up with your right arm. Lower and repeat with your left arm.
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Thrusters (60 seconds): Stand with dumbbells in front of your shoulders, palms facing your body. Squat down and as you stand up, press the dumbbells overhead.
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Dumbbell Side Bend (30 seconds each side): Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in your right hand. Bend to the right, pause, then return to the starting position. Switch sides after 30 seconds.
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Split Squat Press (30 seconds each side): Start in a split stance with one leg forward and one leg back, holding dumbbells at your shoulders. Lower into a squat, then press the dumbbells overhead as you stand up. Switch legs after 30 seconds.
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Toe Touch (45 seconds): Lie on your back holding a dumbbell with both hands. Lift your legs straight up and reach towards your toes with the dumbbell, lifting your shoulders off the floor.
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Bear Squat (60 seconds): Get on your hands and knees, wrists under shoulders and knees hip-width apart. Straighten your legs and lift your hips towards the ceiling.
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Chest Fly (45 seconds): Lie on your back with a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended above you, palms facing each other. Lower your arms out to the sides until you feel a stretch in your chest, then return to the starting position.
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Romanian Deadlift (45 seconds): Stand with a dumbbell in each hand. Push your hips back and lower your torso until it’s parallel to the floor.
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Shoulder to Shoulder Press (60 seconds): Stand straight holding a dumbbell with both hands in front of your right shoulder. Push it up and over your head, then lower it to your left shoulder. Repeat, alternating sides.
Stay consistent, and enjoy the workout!
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Over to You
In conclusion, gearing up for swimsuit season doesn't have to be daunting. With a solid plan in place and a realistic perspective on your current fitness level, you can effectively work towards your summer body goals.
Whether it's increasing your gym sessions, adjusting your diet, or simply staying more active, each step you take is a move towards greater confidence by the pool or on the beach. Remember, the key to success is consistency and a commitment to your personal health and wellness.
Start today, keep track of your progress, and stay motivated—your efforts will pay off when you hit the beach feeling strong, confident, and ready to enjoy the sunshine.
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