Summer has arrived and you're standing in front of the mirror, staring at your body in last summer's swimsuit thinking, "How could I have let it get to this?" But you're not alone! Thousands of women are doing the same thing. What makes you different from them? This summer you're going to do something about it and the Trend is here to help. We asked Robert Ferguson, president and co-Founder of Wellness Weight-Loss in Ventura, California for some advice on how to shape up for the bikini-baring season.

Abdominal Section
Women are usually concerned with the appearance of their stomach, more specifically their abdominal section. "Amazingly, most of us have overdeveloped abs. The reason we can't see them is because the excess body fat hides them," said Ferguson. "Therefore, once the body fat is reduced, the abs begin to shine. The best thing a woman can do is to get a body fat test conducted." Ferguson recommends a goal of 18 percent or less total body fat to uncover the definition of the abdominal section. Ferguson advises aerobics, cardio kickboxing or running on the treadmill for 30 to 45 minutes, three to five times a week to reach your goal. Outdoor activities such as walking, biking or hiking may prove more motivational and costs less than joining a gym.

Inner and Outer Thighs: Hamstrings and Quadriceps
For toning the inner and outer thighs as well as the buttocks, Ferguson suggests doing bench squats at home where all you'll need is a chair or coffee table. "To begin you simply sit down, keep your feet in place and stand-up-then sit back down. Continue doing this for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions a few times per week," said Ferguson.

Combating Cellulite
Bench squats may be great for decreasing the appearance of cellulite, but Ferguson emphasizes nutrition as the most important factor. "What you eat and drink plays a major role," says Ferguson. "The second best thing you can do is weight training. However, exercise without a clean nutrition plan is like a car without fuel. It just doesn't work."

Arms
Ferguson also explained why even the most fit and toned women still appear to have sagging triceps (under part of the upper arm). "It is a proven fact that muscle is responsible for 98 percent of the body's ability to burn fat," explained Ferguson. "Flabby triceps are due primarily to low-calorie diets and a lack of muscle. If you want to save yourself time and energy, get your focus off losing weight and shift more toward burning fat," urged Ferguson.

Diet
Ferguson suggests his clients avoid the following foods for seven to 21 days while keeping track of their personal results. Foods such as French fries and donuts, white flour, candy, processed sugar listed first to fourth on the ingredients list and alcohol exceeding a glass or two of wine. "Once you do this along with increased activity," said Ferguson. "You will experience an outcome that will motivate you to continue on the pursuit of fit over fat."

Editor's Note: (Robert Ferguson, MS, MC, has been in the fitness industry since 1988 and is the master weight-loss coach and motivational speaker. For free recipes go to www.WellnessWeightloss.net or call (805) 642-8440.)