A spring break shape-up plan

If you have a spring break trip planned or other warm-weather vacation coming up soon where you’ll want to look good, it’s not too late to shape up.
Whether you’ve been exercising a little bit, or not at all there are several things you can do to at least drop some pounds and trim up.
Of course, any big improvements to your body will take considerable time -don’t believe the infomercials or fad diets that promise quick, miracle fixes.
However, for a one or two-month spring break shape-up plan, follow these tips.

Resistance training
Perform exercises that use resistance training to strength your muscles and improve definition. Also consider weight training for similar benefits.

Aerobic/cardio training
Get started on burning calories right away by doing aerobic exercises, such as jogging on a treadmill, riding an exercise bike, using an elliptical or even undertaking a serious walking regimen.

Don’t forge the warmup
If you haven’t been especially active, your quick shape-up program might not get off the ground if you don’t stretch properly because you’ll be at risk for injury.
Walk or jog lightly on the treadmill for five minutes or easily ride an exercise bike for that duration. Then, stretch all the major body parts for 15-30 seconds each before getting into your main workout.

Spring shape-up workout plan
Now, here’s your spring shape-up workout plan:
* For the first two weeks, do strength training (resistance and or weight workouts) three times a week, and do cardio for a half hour four times a week.
Do a strength workout that will hit each of the major muscle groups, with at least a day or rest between each strength day. Do upper and lower body workouts each time.
* After two weeks, you can bump up your strength workouts to four times a week and cardio to five if you have been feeling OK.
* Obviously, you will also have to honestly evaluate your diet to. You’re not going to squeeze into a bathing suit or swim trunks very well if you’re eating a lot of junk food.
Cut out soda pop and eating late at night immediately, and up the amount of fiber, fruits and vegetables and water in your diet.
* As always, check with a doctor before starting any new workout plan if you have not been active. Check my past blogs for more exercise and weight and strength training tips.
Get started today! There’s not a lot of time left, but there are more than enough days to still make a big difference how you’ll look next to the swimming pool or ocean.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com