It’s hot. Like many people, I like to look and feel my best in my shorts and tank tops this summer. So, I am eating clean and stepping up my fitness regimen to get strong, lose weight and inches, and increase my energy levels. I know there are a lot of you who are also on your own fitness journey, so I thought I’d share all the fun fitness things that I’ve been doing lately. 
My goal is to get into the best shape of my life, not just for my upcoming wedding in October, but also for a good quality of life for the years to come.
Staying Active
As much as I can, I am constantly trying to find ways to stay active and not get fluffy on the couch (oh so hard to fight it!).
(1) I haven’t had the best luck with my bike this summer (flat tires galore!), but I’ve been on my bike to commute to/from work and to zip around the city. My fiance and I have gone car-less since last year, so in Toronto, the best way for us to get around is through our bikes! Back in June, I participated in Heart & Stroke Foundation Becel’s Ride for Heart 75 KM bike ride, which was one of the most difficult thing I’ve ever done physically and mentally.
(2) I have been with Booty Camp Fitness on and off for 2 years now. I bought a 6-month package ($124.50 per month for the 6-month package / many locations across Canada) this past May. There are so many things about Booty Camp that makes it work for me. Our instructor at the Toronto High Park, Dalia is the best; she works us harder than we’ve ever exercised alone. Working out in a group of women with their own fitness goals is really empowering, and everyone is motivated and very supportive of each other.
(3) I love trying new workouts and tried the new barre trend at Barreworks (introductory price $40 for 2 weeks unlimited / Queen West and Yonge/Eglinton location). They have several types of classes, but if you like that “hurts so good” feeling in your muscles, check out the bAAAre. AAA for arms, abs and ass. It’s an excellent sculpting workout that you’re sure to feel the burn the next day.
(4) What I’m also trying to do more on my own to change things up is weight training and running. Pinterest is an incredible resource for millions of workout ideas and fitness motivations. I’m an awful runner, but I’m slowly starting to learn and build endurance for running. I even ran a good chunk in Color Me Rad 5K, and I totally recommend it for newbie runners. So much fun!
Tracking my Progress
Working out has turned into a big game to me thanks to Fitocracy. As a geek who has played World of Warcraft, there’s no better feeling than to level up in your fitness. I track all my workouts on Fitocracy… and get “props” for being awesome. Want to join in? Let’s be friends. To track my cycling distance and time (as well as walking and running), I use Moves on my iPhone.
Hydration is Very Important!
Taken after a sweaty BootyCamp sesh… Hello beads of sweat.
My BPA- and phthalate-free Sigg Active Top Pink Bottle* ($28.99, online and in various retailers) is my workout companion. It has a leak proof top, so even when I kick it around the field or store it upside down in my bike bag, I know my water isn’t going to get everywhere. The specially designed active top allows you to adjust your drink’s flow rate, disassemble for easy clean up, and even drink carbonated drinks. I love my bottle, and I think it would be great if it also comes in an insulated version so I can keep my drinks cold for longer.
ZICO Chocolate Coconut Water* (414ml bottle or 1L tetra, at Walmart, Metro, Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart) is new to Canada, and is the most delicious coconut water I’ve ever tasted. It’s a combination of coconut water from concentrate and a scrumptious chocolate flavour. Coconut water (yes, even ones from concentrate!) boasts a lot of health benefits. It is a great alternative for those who are dairy-, lactose- and gluten-intolerant, and is potassium-rich, which helps support muscle recovery from exercise. Did I mention its taste is divine?
Smoothing out Lumps and Bumps
Ahh the wonders of aging. Not only do we get lines on areas that didn’t use to have them, but now we also have to worry about cellulite!
This wouldn’t be a proper beauty feature without mention of a beauty product, am I right? Every now and then — although I really should be doing it on a regular basis — I dry brush before I get into the shower. Dry brushing is supposed to help with boosting circulation, lymphatic drainage and even reducing cellulite!
After my shower I apply Rodial size zero* ($68 for 300ml, at Shoppers Drug Mart) on my legs and stomach. This light body moisturizer has citrus-y rose scent, and boasts a powerful ingredient called Pro-svetyl. Pro-svetyl works to helps reduce the appearance of cellulite as well as improve skin’s elasticity.
The reduction of cellulite depends on one’s eating and drinking habits, of course, but I always feel less bloated (and fluffy) whenever I regularly go through my dry brush and Rodial size zero routine.
Over to you: are you getting fit this summer (and beyond)? I’d love to know how you keep yourself motivated, and what has worked for you! Let’s help each other reach our fitness goals.
The post Glitter Geek’s Summer Shape-Up originally appeared on Glitter Geek.
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