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Countdown to Bikini Ready: Top 5 Workouts to Get that Beach BodBe proud of your body as you're soaking up the sun with these simple workouts that will tone, strengthen, and sculpt |
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Many of us have a complicated love/hate relationship with the summer months. As much as we love the beach, there's always that hidden fear of baring it all in a bikini.
I'm not about to tell you there's a miracle cure for gaining poolside self-confidence. But there are certain exercises and workout routines that can help you feel comfortable in that two piece, especially workouts that incorporate strength, sculpting, and core work. These are way more effective -- and offer longer-lasting results -- than a week of nibbling on carrots or crash dieting before your beach vacation.
A lot of women shy away from any sort of strength training and prefer to bust it all out on the treadmill. But cardio, while incredible for stress relief, heart health, and immediate calorie burning, is not actually the fastest way to lose weight. I'm not saying you should stop doing cardio all together -- after all, it's a key step to staying healthy and svelte. Just not the only step. Strength training builds lean muscle and effects how your body expends calories outside the gym (versus your typical elliptical-ing while watching the "Real Housewives" workout, in which your body stops burning calories once you hop off the machine). Basically, strength training spikes your metabolism, while also toning your body. It's a win/win. Read ahead to see the best exercises to get you bikini-ready.
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