So as per the life of a personal trainer, I am beginning to get flooded with calls about what they can do to get back in shape and ready for the upcoming summer weather – not like we can see it today. I swear I saw snow this morning!

It’s now officially spring, so that means you only have 3 short months (and you know they just start getting shorter, it seems, as the weather gets nicer) until summer is here. The weather experts are predicting a hot, dry summer, so this means tanks tops, shorts and showing a lot more skin. But when we look at ourselves in the mirror and gasp at what has happened over the winter months, we realize that something has to be done NOW to get the ball rolling!

But don’t panic, we are ALL in that place. This is the perfect time to sit down, figure out exactly what it is you want to accomplish and make a plan. Now this sounds very familiar to making a new year’s resolution, but don’t get the two confused. If you look at the gyms now, they are no longer crowded. Unfortunately, most of the people have fallen off the wagon as it happens year after year. This is why resolutions do not work! Instead, with the warm weather upon us and the days becoming longer, we are much more receptive to making actual lifestyle changes because winter blahs, snow and ice are no longer an excuse. And…the image of ourselves in a bathing suit is a pretty good motivator as well!

So what am I going to do? I’m trying to hit the gym an extra day each week and really cut back on the sugar – wine is my weakness. It’s amazing how cutting out liquid sugar can make such a big impact. Maybe you want to develop sleek arms for all those cute tanks and halter tops. Get a personal trainer to develop an upper body workout that will sculpt your shoulders, biceps and triceps. Same goes for the legs. But don’t forget the cardio and nutrition! In order to see the muscles and definition you are creating, you must lose fat. Otherwise, you’ll feel stronger, but no one will be able to see it.

As for abs, well if you read the past few installments about Diastasis Recti, my whole modality has changed in regards to that. If you do have a separation or are prone to it, please do NOT do crunches, v-sits or anything that resembles those. I have too many clients that look fantastic all around but complain about their baby pooch. Ab Rehab is the answer!