Do you have bikini fear? Or have you resigned yourself to the fact that after having the kids it's tankinis from now on in? Is the thought of a villa with friends far from relaxing as you become overwhelmed by the thoughts of bearing all at the poolside? After having children yes, the body does change but this is no reason for us to let ourselves go or to give in to any excusitus! Kids or no kids, men or women the main issue for all should be to defy gravity and have a healthy heart! In this quick fix world we live in the focus seems to be more and more about the superficial, here and now often achieved by surgical procedures and spank pants! Whilst surgery is becoming more widely available this is a drastic and painful option with not aways satisfactory or even long lasting results. And as for the elasticated nip and tuck of some sturdy Bridget Jones pants, this option works very well when fully clothed and allows us to feel and look great but once their off it's like the melted cheese has fallen off our pizza!
Why do we put ourselves under so much pressure when the summer season looms? I suppose we all work well to a deadline but still....wouldn't it be great to feel tight and toned and uplifted all the time ? Preparation is the key and whilst there is no magic wand to whisk away the saddle bags and saggy arms a week before you're off, starting now with a little daily tweek in the right direction can make all the difference. Say “No” to the knife, check out the top tips below and with a big dose of dedication you'll achieve your beach body look.

Make your very own invisible lycra!
Being a mum means we are the experts in multitasking so these exercises should be a doddle. They are time efficient, wont break the bank with any monthly payments or joining fees and you can do them any time, any place any where. What are you waiting for, as Yazz told us back in the 80's “the only way is up!”
 
Non- Surgical Boob Job
This exercise will lift your chest, work the flappy bits where your arms are joined on and target the dreaded bingo wings at the back of your arms. It also challenges the abs, back muscles and your heart!

On your hands and knees. Hands wider than shoulders and fingers facing forwards. Move your body weight forward onto your hands and lift your head in line with your spine.Shift your pelvis and hips forward making a diagonal line with the spin.



Lightly draw in your tummy as you bend your elbows and lower the upper body slowly towards the floor. Keep your back still and ensure your elbows stay over your wrists. (Widen your hand position where necessary.)

Keep your weight forward as you slowly push up to the starting position, taking care not to lock out the elbows or move your back.

Breath in as you lower and then out as you push up from the floor.

Aim to achieve: 3 Sets of 8 each day with a slow and steady pace so you can feel the weight of your brains in your hands!

Non- Surgical Bottoms Up
Would you like a buffed butt, flatter tummy , firm inner thighs and a flexible back? This one does it all.


Lie on your back, arms resting on the ground by your sides. Breathe in to prepare and, as you breathe out, draw your tummy lightly in and tilt your pelvis so the lower back presses gently into the floor.


Continue the movement upwards until the tips of the shoulder blades are just off the floor. Keeping your bottom lifted, breathe in and as you breathe out, firm up the tummy, and lower slowly to the ground one vertebra at a time.

Try this exercise with a cushion between the inner thighs and give it an extra squeeze as you lift up off the floor!

Aim to do 2-3 sets of 20 daily so you can really feel the benefit.

Burn Baby Burn!
Burning off any extra body fat will really help maximising your beach body look and will give you more confidence. Increasing your daily activity levels can really make a difference and  a little goes a long way to increasing your metabolism. Aim to do at least 20 mins of breathless activity in your daily routine. Find an activity which will fit into your day like power walking , jogging, a vigorous cleaning session to your favourite hits or even taking the stairs two steps at a time.You really do not need to buy into the thought that to have a great physique you need to go on any crazy fitness regimes, crash course diets or even burn big holes in your pockets on  magical potions that claim to lift, tone or smooth out the skin. At the end of the day every day should be seen as a holiday so it's simple. Move more, drink more water, sleep well and bottoms up!
Pack these top tips and exercises into your suitcase to go with you and you will feel the confidence to strut your stuff with Mothers pride!


Rachel Berg
Womens fitness expert and Director of Pushy Mothers.

www.pushymothers.com