summer

We are heading into the summer season! (Sorry to state the obvious, but I’m a little excited). Well, here in San Francisco the seasons are all mixed up, so you never know when you will have a summer day. With that said, bring on the self tanner! The best way to accentuate your fit body is a nice tan. Who am I kidding, everyone looks better tan. I used to a frequent visitor of the tanning bed (EEK!!) but with all the new knowledge about how bad they are I have learned my lesson and steer clear. When I don’t have time for a spray tan at the salon I often use the following to get that healthy summer glow.

1. St. Tropez: Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: St Tropez has many popular products and this is one of my favs! The formula drys quickly and gives a nice natural tone. Make sure to use the gloves provided, wash off in a couple of hours or the next day to reveal a gorgeous rich bronze tan.

2. Kate Somerville: Tanning Towelettes: Absolutely NO streaks and very easy to use! You can apply to your body and within the hour put on your shorts and go. These are more expensive than the others, but well worth it for a nice deep easy way to tan. They are also paraben and sulfate free.

3. Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan: I buy this stuff at my local drugstore quite often because you can’t beat the price. The quality is also up to par, and can be used both on your body or face. I usually spray on a clean face post shower, go to bed and wake up with beautiful natural glow.

4. bareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner: LOVE this stuff. I love everything bareMinerals, and use their entire makeup line as well. Also thinking about checking out their moisurizers. There is no bad smell and does not clog pores. Definite staple in my collection.

5. Bliss A Tan for all Seasons: This is an excellent self tanner for fair skin, but also buildable for darker complextions. It keeps the skin smelling sunny and bright with a citrusy scent, and looks completely natural with no orange tone.

6. Jergens: Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer: Looking for a 3 in 1, moisturizer, bronzer and skin firming technique? This is it! You can buy this at your local drugstore.

Which are your favorites?

Special shout-out to the best (in my opinion) Spray Tan Salons here in San Francisco, Christine at Organic Shimmer and Brenna at Bronze by Brenna! 🙂

Summer is just around the corner and I know all you ladies want a firm, tight, little booty. (Why do I feel so naughty saying that?) Well, ok…I’m sure the guys want to see that as well. So here’s the deal. Muscle building does not come from hours of cardio or squats using your own body weight. You must push yourself with heavy weights, ideally 1 or 2 times a week.

I always dedicate specific days to each muscle group, rather than doing full body workouts in one session. This gives you more energy to dedicate to one body part, allowing you to build the muscle to its maximum potential. Here is an example of my ideal weekly routine:

Monday- Chest/Cardio
Tuesday- Arms/Cardio
Wednesday- Legs/Glutes, no Cardio
Thursday- Cardio
Friday- Rest
Saturday- Back/Cardio
Sunday- Rest

As you can see, I don’t train my shoulders because this usually causes too much strain leaving me with a headache the next day. This is just my personal opinion, so shoulder exercises may work for you. Dont forget to switch your routine every so often so your body doesn’t get used to the same workouts leading to no change. Give your body some new excitement and it will adjust accordingly.

Needless to say, my leg/glutes day is definitely my favorite. I can do without cardio, although I love to run. But working my legs and glutes gives me some sort of indescribable satisfaction. I have always had the smallest glute muscles (which is the opposite problem for most women) but with this workout once a week, (twice if I have time) has given me a much more defined, rounder and larger (in a good way) “bottom”.

Instead of just going through the motions, push yourself with this workout and you will burn a ton of calories! Most importantly, use weights that are challenging for you. If you are a set of 10, use heavier weights than if you are doing a set of 15. Give yourself 1-2 minutes of rest in between each set, pay close attention to proper form, and have fun with it! If you stick to this 30-45 minute session, once or twice a week, you will see change!

After this workout it is crucial to go home and refuel. It’s best to head straight for a protein shake, or meal including protein, veggies and whole grains. I know so many women who don’t eat anything after a workout, but unfortunately that will only burn off the hard-earned muscle you just worked so eagerly for. At the gym, you are breaking down the muscle tissue, but after the gym with proper sleep and nutrition is when you build that muscle to be stronger than before. Your activities outside of working out are just as important as the hour your spend at the gym. Nourish your body and it will rebuild the muscle you have broken down. Does that make sense?

If you are unsure of any of these exercises, refer to bodybuilding.com for examples and explanations.

(I wish I could find a ‘before’ picture so we can compare…but find me on Instagram!)

:::DISCLAIMER:::

This blog is meant to follow my lifestyle of health and fitness, and inspire others who may be on the same journey. All opinions are my own and not everything I post may be right for you. Anything I discuss is what I believe and I am not responsible for errors or omissions. I am not a certified trainer or nutritionist. Anything posted relating to these fields are my beliefs and what has worked for me. Thank you for your support!

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