Spring is almost here! Need a boost to get bikini ready?

It almost that time of year. You know the time I'm talking about! The time where you're getting pedicures weekly so your feet look great in your Rainbows and new open-toed heels, shop for skirts, a cute romper for a day on the lake, or that pefect little dress for a night out at the beach.

Let's also not forget... the bikini. 

It's not time to freak-out just yet. It is the middle of March and we have a good solid 6-8 weeks to work hard and make Summer 2011 the best one yet. I have told myself "I will make this summer the best Summer of my life" for a long time and guess what - hasn't happened. This year it has been a little different. Starting late Summer and until the end of 2010 I hit a plateau with my weight loss. I was still doing my same routine everyday - working, going to the gym, watching what I ate - but it became a little robotic and I did not try as hard. FINALLY at the beginning of February I switched things up and a bit and the results have be awesome.

Today I wanted to share some tips and advice to help you amp up your fitness routine and eating so you can get the maximum results from your efforts to ensure your best body yet.

-Do not just focus on making your body stronger, make yourself mentally stronger. That sentence is so much easier said than done, but it is true. Your mentality is the KEY to losing weight or gaining muscle - whatever your goal may be. You HAVE to push yourself. When you want McDonald's, opt for the grilled meat and veggies. When you do not want to go to the gym, make yourself go and push yourself even harder. When you want to go out and get drunk, don't. Consuming all of those calories and not to mention the sugar plus having a hangover will not get you to your goals. Make yourself mentally strong and work at it every single day. My blogs can't make you go to the gym and eat healthy, nor can your husband, wife, or friends. You have to push yourself. Now is great time to start.
-Fastest cardio. This is also known as "Morning cardio". The definition is simple: cardio on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up. This is tough to get in the habit of but absolutely amazing. I cannot rave enough about it. For my morning cardio, I like to do 30-45 minutes of low impact and intensity on the Elliptical. I know mornings are tough for a lot of people to get in a GOOD solid work out. It is for me! At night is when I have my energy and determination -- that is when I push myself to my limit. However, Fastest cardio is great because you do not have to add that much intensity. This just for the fat burning stage. Your heart rate needs to be up, but it is not like at night with your regular work out/cardio.

-Add lots of raw vegetables to your daily eating. Results from this have amazed me. I eat 6 small meals a day. I replaced two of them with 2 cups of raw broccoli, a handful of baby carrots, and a Muscle Milk light. It may not sound like much, but surprisingly, it is VERY filling. Muscle Milk Light itself is only 100 calories and has 15g of protein. Broccoli is actually VERY filling and great for energy levels. If I do not want a Muscle Milk Light, I will dip my broccoli in natural/regular Hummus or Greek vegetable dip. If you really want to see improvements with your body nutrition rise - add LOTS of raw vegetables.

-Switch up your cardio routines a little bit. These can be little changes but can make a huge difference. I will give an example. Just this past Friday I was on the StairMill. I use the StairMill machine 4-5 times a week. I decided to stay towards the bottom of the machine while walking up the stairs and lightly held on to the railing. I focused on solely using my glutes to make me walk up the StairMill. Normally I do not do this. I am usually at the top of machine, hanging on tight and walking fast - it makes my calves on fire. However, by switching up my routine on the just a little, my glutes were SO sore on Saturday and Sunday! It felt awesome! Other little things you can do:

• Add resistance. If you normally set your resistance at 8, try 9 or 10.
• Add 10-15 minutes
• Go harder. Work on your endurance - keep the pace up more than you usually do
• If you like to walk on the tredmill, add some incline to your walk - this will great to your quads and glutes looking great in your bikini this summer.
• Try some new classes at your gym: spin class is perfect for burning tons of calories, Zumba is fun, Kickboxing will get those legs look beautiful quickly, and step is great for an all over cardio work out.

-Try avoiding carbs for your last meal or last 2 meals (depending upon how many you eat a day). Do not think I am advocating a low carb diet, here! No way! Just have those for your morning and afternoon meals - they will give you energy for the day as well as a satisfy hunger. Later in the evening just focus on getting your protein and vegetables. If you have carbs, make sure they are complex and you watch your portions.


Quick Tips:
-Don't worry about getting the parking spot closest to the store, a little walking never hurt anyone!
-Take the stairs, not the elevator. Come on, it does not take that much longer!
-Have water or flavored water instead of soda.
-Get grilled chicken in your salad, not fried
-Get PLENTY of rest
-Stay organized! Plan your days accordingly so you can make sure you incorporate enough time for your work outs.
-Going out for ice-cream on a nice Spring or hot Summer day? Get frozen yogurt instead
-Cook with light olive oil
-Buy your veggies fresh or frozen NOT canned
-Watching a movie and want popcorn? Opt for fresh veggies and fruit instead!
-If you're busy and on the go, keep a protein bar or handful of almonds in your purse, bookbag, etc to help fight hunger and keep you from grabbing fast food.

Stoked to announce that my full site will be up and running in just a few days! You will be able to receive my newsletter, ask me questions, and post on a my Forum so you can share your journeys, tips, advice, and connect with others. If you haven't yet, take a look at Liz Taylor Training