Is it just me, or does it feel like the winter has lasted an unusually long time? Summer is my jam; it is when I come alive. I work my butt off during the fall and winter so I can relax and have a more flexible summer.  Being a Vancouver gal, I am all about the outdoors, especially when the weather is nice.  I’m hiking at least once a week, and turn into a social butterfly as soon as the sun comes out.  I try and train all my clients outside, because Vitamin D is so good for the soul!!!

This isn’t a typical blog post on shedding weight for the summer. This is about preparing for 2 (or 3 depending on where you live) of the best months of the year, and how you can maximize your fun and enjoyment this summer.  

1. Plan bi-monthly getaways or adventures.  I’d be lying if I said I am as spontaneous as I was in my early twenties. My friends have lives, jobs, kids, and commitments, and unfortunately a last-minute camping trip doesn’t usually fly anymore.  I learned this the hard way since I am the last of my friends to have kids. I’ve learned from past mistakes, that this summer I am going to plan a hike or a little getaway every two weeks.  This doesn’t have to be a fancy holiday, it can be a group hike up a local mountain, a bbq at the beach, or a road trip to Whistler for a couple of nights.  It’s just something in the calendar to ensure that your summer will be filled with fun activities.  Some of my “planned” activities include: road trip to Kelowna for wine tasting, day trip to Whistler to hike to Joffre lake, group camping trip at Cultus Lake and a road trip to Edmonton for a friends Wedding.  
2. Increase your cardio.  I know what you’re thinking, I said this post isn’t supposed to be about losing weight, and it isn’t! Summer is filled with lots of outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, bike riding, tennis and beach volleyball, and I always want to make sure that my body is ready for it! No one wants to be the last one up the mountain on a group hike.  I like to prepare for the increase in cardio activities my incorporating cardio into my fitness routine 2-3x a week.  If you have a stairclimber available, this is a great way to get prepared for hikes.
3. Summer shopping.  I look forward to summer shopping every spring.  As we get older, our weight and body begins to change, and many of us aren’t fitting into our University cut off shorts.  Go through your old summer wardrobe and make sure you have key staples that fit you and make you feel beautiful.  Some of these summer staples include: jean shorts, a few summer dresses, comfortable sandals, platform sandals, tank tops, light denim and a swimsuit.
4. Laser hair removal.  If you follow my Instagram stories you already know that I recently got laser hair removal from EOL Medispa in White Rock, and I am AMAZED.  After last summer, I decided to take the plunge and get rid of my leg hair for good.  I was so sick of shaving every day, and still not having smooth hairless legs.  Of course, this is not a necessity, but I can promise it is sooooo worth it. I’ve only had two treatments so far and I am shaving my legs once a week.  My legs are always smooth, which will be so nice this summer when I am living in cut off shorts and dresses.  If you contact Leah at EOL Medispa, and tell her I sent you, you will receive 20% off your first treatment.  I promise, you won’t regret it!
5. Find a good tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 or more. The last thing I want to do in the summer is put on a full face of makeup.  I live in tinted moisturizer in the summer.  It gives you that healthy glow that you want, without the cakeyness (is that a word?) of foundation, and other makeup.  Remember, skin health is SO important.  Not only do you want to prevent cancer by wearing SPF all over your body, including your face, but this is one of the best ways to prevent wrinkles (and drink lots of H2o!!).

Hope these tips help you feel prepared for the best summer yet!! Comment below if you have any tips for how you prep for summer.