So, you had big plans to step up your workout routine and eat healthily in the weeks leading up to your spring break trip to Punta Cana, Puerta Vallarta, PCB…or any of the other warm destinations crawling with college students this time of year. But, then midterms snuck up on you and all your plans went to sh*t. Between stress-eating and lacking the time or energy to get yourself to the gym, you may not be as psyched as you imagined to bare your body on the beach. Look no further for your solution—with these last-minute tricks, you’ll be good to go.
1. Bust a move
Cranking out toning exercises right before you leave won’t get you Gisele’s abs or Beyonce’s booty overnight, but it can give you some last-minute definition and make you feel better. If you have time, get a cardio workout in. Incorporate short bursts of increased intensity and speed into your regular treadmill or elliptical session to really get your heart rate up. Strength training exercises can be done anywhere in a short amount of time, so try the ones from our 3-week plan that target your legs, arms, and abs.
2. Drink up
Water, that is (you’ll get your piña colada soon enough!). Drinking a lot of water will help de-bloat you and keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated. Don’t let up on your water intake while you’re actually on your trip either! From the hot sun to the abundance of Red Solo cups, it’s absolutely imperative that you stay hydrated. If you’re headed somewhere that doesn’t have drinkable tap water, stock up on bottled water (if you know what happened to Charlotte in the first “Sex and the City” movie, you know how important that tip is….).
3. Faux glow
Sporting a tan can help make you appear slimmer and firmer. Get your glow the safe way with bronzers and self-tanners. This list of the best self-tanners for spring break will ensure that you don’t end up looking like a cheetah—or a cheeto. If you’re not down with a fake tan, then just exfoliating and moisturizing will make your skin look and feel better.
4. Avoid foods that will make you bloat
Bloating can make you feel uncomfortable and look puffy, so beat the bloat by avoiding foods that cause it. Try to nix anything that’s really salty or greasy, along with gas-producing foods like beans and broccoli. Carbonated drinks can also cause bloating—even more of a reason to stick to water! What foods should you grab instead? Bananas, pineapple, yogurt, and peppermint are all thought to reduce bloating, so you can try any of those to soothe your stomach.
5. Stand up straight…and smile!
Slouching makes rolls in even the flattest of stomachs. By standing up straight, you’ll not only look longer and leaner, but you’ll also appear confident. And confidence looks good on everyone!
When it comes down to it, people are most likely too self-conscious or worried about their own bodies to scrutinize yours. Once you get to the beach—whether you’ve been preparing for weeks or just tried these tips the night before—just have fun! That’s what spring break is for.