Get Summer Ready

One week to go before March arrives which means we have one week to go before summer officially begins. It’s always around this time of the year that the sun becomes scorching hot once again which is why practically everyone hits the beach. But before you plan your beach getaway, your friendly neighborhood blogger would just like to remind you about a few things to make sure you really have fun under the sun.

First and foremost, make sure you’re protected from harmful UV rays by using sunblocks and soothing lotions. There’s no reason for you to skimp on these because they’re all easily available at Watsons. Two, make sure you’re smooth and flawless from H to T. If waxing is too painful for you, Watsons also has Veet hair removal cream for painless hair removal. Three, get fit! Go to a gym, sign up for classes or even join fun runs. There’s actually one happening on March 6 at SM Mall of Asia Grounds, organized by Watsons. It’s called the Watsons SunWarrior Challenge where sun warriors like you can choose to run 3k, 5k or 10k. You can register at www.colormanilarun.com. Slots are limited and registration fee is P950. Participants will receive a Color Manila race kit that includes a singlet, head wear, sunglasses, finisher’s medal, color packet and a whole lot more.

To help you prep for the run (or if you simply want to strengthen your legs), I thought I’d blog about some of the leg exercises I do at Fitness First. I know, I know, leg day sucks but a true sun warrior must be toned and fit, right? These are pretty basic anyway so beginners can totally pull these off! Plus, I made sure you won’t need fancy equipment or machines to be able to do these. Now, no more excuses. Time to embrace your inner sunwarrior!

Squats with weights. Try to squat as low as you can while making sure your knees don’t exceed or go over your feet. Butt out, chest out! Do 2 rounds of 15 reps each.

Lunge and twist with weights. Step one leg forward, bend your knee and twist to the direction of your leg. So if your right leg is the leg that is in front, twist to the right. Do the same to your other leg next. Again, make sure your knee in front doesn’t go over your foot and engage your core. Do 2 rounds of 15 reps for each side.

Side lunges with weights. Step on leg to the side and bend your knee, keeping the other leg straight. Do it on the other side as well using your other leg first. Butt out, back straight! Do 2 rounds of 15 reps for each side.

Squat and tiptoe with weights. Just like the first exercise, squat while making sure your knees don’t go over your feet. But instead of going back to a normal standing position with your feet flat against the ground after every squat, you tip toe and sort of spring up. Do 2 rounds of 15 reps each for this.

Step hop. Step up an elevated platform using your foreleg and bring your other leg up in a perpendicular position with knee bent as you hop up. And then go back to your first position where your foreleg is stepping on the elevated platform and the other leg is stepping on the floor. Do 15 reps of one leg first and then 15 reps for the other leg after. Do 2 rounds for each leg.

And there you have it! You’re Watsons SunWarrior Challenge ready!