Summer's almost here! Are you ready?

Grills, pool parties, lawn furniture and flip flops are all signs that warm weather is around the corner, which leads to the ultimate moment of truth -- revealing ourselves in a swimsuit. It is hard to get through summer without wearing one, whether it's a string bikini or one-piece with a t-shirt cover-up. The "Don't Sweat the Swimsuit" Survey commissioned by Kellogg's Special K, reveals that most women would rather see the dentist than try on a swimsuit. The survey also indicated that more than 40 percent of women take up to eight weeks to get ready for swimsuit season. Fitness guru Kathy Smith provides women with five simple tips to help them stay committed to their fitness and weight-management goals.
"Getting ready to lounge poolside should not be seen as 'mission impossible'," said Kathy Smith. "With these simple and easy fitness tips ... women can be ready to lounge poolside all summer long."

Exercise Daily

Exercising daily does not mean a full, hour-long workout, but do something whether it is a 10-minute brisk walk around your office building or a two-hour hike.

Stay Focused
Most people start out with the best intention to exercise, however, they allow one excuse after another to interfere with their workouts, which causes them to lose momentum. If you don't have time to do your regular workout in its entirety don't abandon the whole thing.

Don't Rush
Face it, you are probably not going to win the title of Miss Fitness your first week. Do not cram every fitness exercise into a single session. Focus on core areas such as the arms and chest one day and hips and thighs the next.

Mix It Up
Changing up your usual workout will keep your muscles from getting too comfortable, which often results in a plateau. Increase the weight and lower the number of repetitions (low rep overload). Or, if you're already lifting a lot of weight, try the reverse by lowering the weight and increasing the number of repetitions (high rep overload). You can also add a second or third set of reps to your existing workout.

Everything in Moderation
With the right combination of food and exercise you can trim down and tone up quickly. Do not overdo it. Eating right does not have to taste bad, you can still indulge in your favorites. Be careful not to overindulge. If you enjoy chocolate try a bowl of Special K(R) Chocolately Delight to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with weight-loss goals.