Photo Courtesy of FitDay.com

It’s not quite summer, but it’s that time of year again when the fitness frenzy begins. It’s a time when fashionistas start to think about how they can get bikini-ready in just a few weeks. And, inevitably, the time crunch will mean that surgery is on top of the list for many.

But, before you consider liposuction, you should know that there are ways to tone your midsection that are more efficient — and more fun! Instead of worrying with surgery and the possibility of needing a medical malpractice claim, try these tips for slimming down and firming up for summer!

Take up pilates. While cardiovascular exercise gives you a fitness high, adding a stretching and toning routine to your summer workout plan will help you trim your waistline, lift your buttocks and harden your abs. Pilates is great for toning because it targets specific muscle groups with positions that are often more grueling than run-of-the-mill abdominal crunches.

Replace your medical solicitor with a fun workout routine. If you’ve never been a person who enjoys working out, try searching for ways to get moving that don’t seem like exercise at all. Zumba is a popular workout routine that blends dance styles such as salsa, merengue, hip-hop and belly dancing to work your entire body. Some Zumba classes last more than an hour, but you would never notice how long you’ve been burning calories and toning up!

Try out calisthenics. Achieving the body you want will be due in part to dedication, not intensity. The key to seeing results by summer is exercising every day, even if it’s just a few calisthenic moves done in your living room. You can get a lot of mileage out of several sets of crunches, squats and pushups. And once you’ve mastered those, move on to more difficult exercises, such as Russian twists and leg scissors.

Take your workout routine to work. Invest in a balance ball, and use it to replace your desk chair at work for a couple of hours a day. This is the perfect way to get in some core-strengthening exercise if you have a full schedule and can’t make it to the gym. Not to mention, it will make your work day more interesting.

Load up on the right foods. As the old fitness adage goes, abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym. Even with all of your exercising, you’ll have to adapt to a leaner diet if you want to slimline your body for summer. Try stocking up on clean proteins like eggs and nuts.

In addition, search for sources of fiber that aren’t calorie-dense, like apples and leafy greens. Don’t shy away from carbohydrates like bread completely; you need them to sustain a healthy diet. Instead, make sure you always opt for whole-grain breads, and steer clear of white flour.

How do you lovely ladies stay in shape? Let us know by commenting below or re-Pinning this on Pinterest (you just might win a free sample)! Make sure to check out our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!

For more giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.

If you like this post, share it with your friends and give it a LIKE on Facebook.