Shaping Up for Summer

Doesn’t it seem like we just made our New Year’s resolutions yesterday? Lose ten pounds, quit smoking, workout at least 3 times a week...I mean, is it really April already? Summer is finally here and it’s time to hit the beach. But if you’re like me you’re definitely dreading Bikini Season just about now... 

Wait, wait, wait, have no fear, I have a few secrets (I’m crossing my fingers they’ll work) to make removing that cover-up a little less frightening...

JUJU CLEANSE 
http://www.jujucleanse.com/

Sometimes you need a little jumpstart on the road to health and wellness. You know, when you’ve had a glass (or two) too much of that vodka cocktail? Or maybe during this morning’s dee-lish brunch with the girls you still could feel the added pounds caused by last night’s sumptuous birthday dinner at your Lola’s that followed the sweets-filled afternoon tea/baby shower your cousin hosted? We’ve all been there. Meet JUJU - that which helps us get rid of the junk and start anew. I’ve tried the 1-day and 3-day cleanses, from levels 1 to 3, and all I can say is that every time I successfully finish a cleanse, I feel lighter and cleaner and more equipped to live a healthier lifestyle. We still have a little time before summer is in full swing, so book your cleanse now.

PLANA FORMA 
http://forma-asia.com/

I am not a dancer, I am always self-conscious of my lack of rhythm and to this day my Mumsy still tells me to “Straighten up your back, Karisia!” But there is something about standing by the ballet barre in a room filled with mirrors that makes me wanna keep coming back. I have finally found the workout I plan to stick with. The 55-minute class is a combination of dance, pilates and yoga that is so painfully addicting I’m already thinking of booking my next class as I’m lying on my back doing abs. You know the saying “no pain, no gain”? This is what they must have been talking about. So to all of you who secretly fantasized about being a ballerina after watching Black Swan, this could be the closest you can get to achieving that dream...tutus optional.

TRACY ANDERSON METHOD 
http://tracyandersonmethod.com/

What do Gwyneth Paltrow, Molly Simms, Karolina Kurkova and Jennifer Anniston have in common? Tracy Anderson. And if there is even the slightest chance I can look half as good as any of these women, I WILL DO IT. Tracy (yes, I have decided to think of her as my celeb trainer...even if I am not a celeb!) had me at "teeny tiny arms, feminine and defined abs, non-bulky hips, butt and thighs." I’m scared to even attempt the Dance Cardio, but I have already finished a whole Method Mat workout. My body is still hurting, but I do plan to make it a part of my weekly workout schedule, Tracy did say 4 to 6 times a week! As I write this, I have already started reading my 30-Day Method which I so happily found in The Big Bookstore's Greenbelt branch (aka Fully Booked Fort). 

I'm a firm believer of finding the workout that you like best. Sure you can keep burning calories at your gym's elliptical machine or adding extra kilometers to your daily run, but sometimes you just have to shake things up. Who knows, you just might find what you're looking for... - KAB 


Photos from: jujucleanse.com, wwd.com, dietsinreview.com, amazon.com