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Supercharge your self-esteem for a so long, sarong summer
Tone up
Lisa Raleigh, personal trainer on SA’s Biggest Loser reality TV show, suggests:
▶ Forward/backward lunges
Holding a weight in each hand, step with right leg forward into deep lunge, knees at 90 degree angles. Without touching right foot, take the same leg into a deep backward lunge putting all your body weight into the heel of your front foot and tightening your glutes as you come up. Repeat 10 times before changing legs. Repeat 3 sets on each side.
▶ Arm blasters
With dumbbell in each hand, bend over so that knees are bent into a mini-squat and lower back is flat like a table top. Lift weights up to either side, squeezing the shoulder blades together and holding that squeeze for a second before lowering. Do 15 reps without stopping, then rest for 30 seconds. Do 3 sets.
▶ Abs
Lying on an exercise ball, with lower back supported and knees at 90 degree angle to the floor, do a small crunch, breathing out as you come up and squeezing your abs at the top. On the next crunch come up a lot higher. Alternate 20 times and repeat for 3 sets.
Contact Lisa at: lisaraleigh@vo2max.co.za
Fake a tan
There’s nothing quite as uplifting — or slimming — as a golden, all-over tan. And the safest way to achieve it is by slathering on fake tan. Beauty editor Elsa Krüger’s favourites for the season include Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream, Clarins Sheer Bronze Tinted Self Tanning for Legs, Clinique Radiant bronze Face & Body Tinted Self Tanner, Décleor Express Hydrating Self tan Spray, Lancôme Flash Bronzer, Guinot Self Tanning Cream, Nivea Sun Self Tan Lotion. “I love the tinted ones,” says Elsa, “so I can see where I’ve missed a spot!”
Stand up straight
No matter how much money you spend beautifying yourself, a hunched, slouched appearance destroys the whole effect, says nutritionist Monica Grenfell. “Looking beautiful is as much about grace and poise as losing weight. Good posture is youthful, good posture spells confidence.”
Eat right
Water retention can cause your tummy and ankles to bloat. Add tomatoes, red cabbage, carrots, bananas, apples and grapes to your diet to help repair cell walls, stopping excess water from causing puffiness, says Dr John Briffa, nutrition and health guru. If you suffer from bloating caused by irritable bowel syndrome, you need a stress check. Regular exercise, plenty of sleep and regular massage will help ease stress. Avoid alcohol and sugar overload.
Take care
Self-talk, self-confidence and self-esteem can improve dramatically if you can make it a priority to practise self-care more often. Women who nurture, take care of and honour themselves express beauty, confidence and love, say Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan, authors of Like an Apple a Day (Double Storey). Book that massage now.
Have a word…
…with yourself. “Every time you see a mirror, look in your eyes and say something positive to yourself. This simple exercise will produce great results,” says metaphysical lecturer Louise L. Hay. Try it naked. Look in the mirror and say, “I look great”. It’s crucial to keep in mind that what we think and say becomes our experience.
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