Fitness Finesse

Hello beautiful people! If you're like me, the word "gym" might make you cringe. In fact, if someone asks me to work out with them, I instantly come up with about a dozen reasons why I'm just too busy to join. It's time to stop making excuses and start making changes. Working out doesn't have to be the bane of your existence. In fact, it can actually help improve your mood, control your weight, boost your energy, and combat disease! It doesn't sound so bad now, does it? Read on for some tips and tricks on how to survive the gym and get the most out of your workout.

Get Pumped

Before you work out, there is one thing that you just have to do: Wash your face! When you work out your skin will get hot and you will sweat. Because of this, your pores will open up. If your skin has any makeup, oil, dirt or debris on it, you're basically inviting that stuff into your pores. Before you work out, rescue your pores from potential clogs with a deep clean from a cleanser like EltaMD Facial Cleanser .

My favorite excuse for not working out: I'm too tired. Sleepy, let me introduce you to Osmosis Skincare Elevate. This caffeine free supplement boosts your ATP levels naturally, giving you the energy and focus to complete a fantastic workout. For those of you that aren't biochemists, ATP is required for the biochemical reactions involved in any muscle contraction. As the work of the muscle increases, more and more ATP gets consumed and must be replaced in order for the muscle to keep moving. More ATP= More movement.

Tummy Toning

Contrary to popular belief, crunches are not your only ally in the struggle against belly fat. One of the best ab exercises you can do is the "Side Plank". It's more challenging than the traditional plank because you are supporting your entire body weight on two points of contact instead of four. As a result, you are forced to work harder to stay stabilized. If you are still set on crunches, try mixing it up and working your obliques with this move: Sit on the ground with your thighs and upper torso forming a V shape. Cross your lower legs and lift them about a foot off the ground. Holding a weight between both hands, swivel left to right and back, bringing the weight across your body while maintaining your V shape. Regular exercise and a healthy diet, combined with the use of some fabulous tummy toning products, like the Billy Jealousy Six Pack Slimming Solution or the bliss Fat Girl Sixpack, will have you looking svelte and feeling fabulous in no time!

Leg Day

Repeat after me: "I won't give up, I will do another rep!" Squats are hard. They are especially hard because they are so easy. You do about five and think, "Oh, why bother...what's this going to do for me?". When you start getting to the double digits, you'll be feeling it the next day. Working hard will allow you to reap the benefits, but it will also leave your muscles a bit tense and sore. After pulling off the perfect leg routine, give those gams a good rubdown with Mio Workout Wonder. This gel is perfect for easing muscle soreness and improving circulation. It's also great for pre-workout because it stimulates the muscles.

The Finish Line

What you do post-workout is just as important as the workout itself. After your last set, give your body a cool down with about 5 minutes of light cardio. Follow that cardio with a stretching routine that incorporates all the muscles that you used during your work out. In addition to cooling down and stretching out, you'll need to hydrate. In order to look like a fox, one must sweat like a pig. Your body just lost a lot of fluid through sweating. Drink up that water and admire all the progress you've been making! In fact, reward yourself with a relaxing post-workout soak. We recommend the Mio Liquid Yoga Restorative Bath Soak . This soak is rich in magnesium, which relieves aches, improves circulation, and eliminates toxins.

Do you have any workout tips or noteworthy tales of the gym? Contact us at customerservice@beautystoredepot.com. Remember, the only bad workout is the one that didn't happen!