Exercise, good diet keys to fun summer

By Ashley Kealhofer
Health and Fitness Columnist

Nothing says swimsuit season like jiggly thighs and doughy midsections.

Summer is only five weeks away, and now is a good time to start working on that body that will be shimmering with suntan oil in the very near future.

“First off, individuals need to pay attention to what they’re eating,” said Jennifer Yee, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and exercise science instructor at Creighton.

She said simple steps such as portion control, looking at your caloric intake and expenditure, and not starving yourself are the key rules for healthier eating. Small changes, like using half the amount of dressing on your salad, will help you reach your goal.

Getting into beach-worthy shape also involves working up a healthy glow. Although you might want to focus only on crunches to get a six-pack, Yee said there is no such thing as spot reduction.

She recommends doing resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, such as biking, running, the elliptical, jogging or the stairmaster. Cardiovascular exercise three to five days a week, for 45-60 minutes at an easy pace, 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace, or 20-30 minutes at a high pace can help you feel confident in shorts and bikinis.

If you want more guidance on where to start, Yee said the Exercise Science and Athletic Training department’s Human Performance Lab does fitness assessments and also provides personal training and program design. Call 280-2088 for more information. Also, when starting a new fitness routine, some people might need to consult a physician.

So while you’re running on the treadmill, motivate yourself by picturing yourself in your swimsuit in the warm summer sun, sipping slushy pineapple drinks and thinking about all the homework you don’t have waiting for you.