SHAPE UP THIS SUMMER Go from flab to fab!

School is out, and it is summer, but will you be making use of all the free time on your hands? You can get into shape this summer by following these easy tips and pointers so that you can go back to school in shape!
1. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. When you are hungry, have a glass of water first because your body sometimes mistakes thirst for hunger. Also, drink water in place of soda. Soda has lots of sugar and can cause cravings for food.
2. Take the stairs! Climbing the stairs can firm your figure and is good exercise.
3. During a commercial break, when you are watching TV, get off the couch and do crunches or jumping jacks until the commercial break is over. Every little bit counts.
4. Stock your refrigerator and pantry with fruit and healthy snacks so when you get a case of the munchies, you will be prepared!
5. Offer to do chores around the house or take long walks with your dog.
6. Going somewhere? If it is nearby, you can walk or ride your bike instead of driving, riding the bus or taking the subway.
7. Shop till you drop! Who knew walking around the mall could be great exercise? And you deserve the clothes you pick up along the way. After all, you earned it!
8. Substitute your favorite food for a lower calorie version. For example, try frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, wheat bread instead of white bread, baked potato chips instead of regularetc. Who says you can't have the best of both worlds?
9. Savor the flavor and eat slowly. When you gobble your food down, your body doesn't realize you are full until after you passed your limit. This way, you don't overeat.
10. Make time to work out. Go for a run whenever you have an extra 20 minutes. It will help clear your mind and you will feel great afterwards.
Whatever your summer plans may be, these easy-to-follow tips make getting into shape a cinch.