Glam Slam: Five Ways To Look Great In A Bikini!

It’s here… are you ready for bikini season? If you’re like me, you are NEVER ready! Ha ha! But just because you haven’t hit the gym doesn’t mean you can’t hit the beach. InStyle Senior Beauty Editor Patricia Tortolani shares five surprising (and fun!) ways to get a better beach body.

1. HOOP TO IT
Prevent gym burnout by substituting hula hooping for the cardio portion of your workout. Aside from burning calories (600 in one hour!), the hip-swiveling action will also help tone your upper and lower abdominals and your obliques.

2. GET A LIFT
A little strategically placed medical tape can help create curves in all the right places. To lift and build up your cleavage, start under the arm and tape inward; repeat with three strips on each side. Caution: While the tape is waterproof, it will snap under pressure. In other words, this trick works best for beach loungers, not long-distance swimmers.

3. TRIM DOWN WITH A TAN
No one can deny the slimming effects of a tan. We love aerosol tanners like St.Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray ($35; www.sttropeztan.com). The ultra-fine mist guarantees an even finish. To cover your back, spray a cloud of tanner into the air and step into it; repeat three times. (Also available at Sephora.)

4. TURBO CHARGE YOUR METABOLISM
Did you know that consuming certain foods can actually increase calorie burning? Sweet-tasting coconut oil (produced by pressing the white meat of the fruit) contains a unique saturated fat that can increase your metabolic rate by up to 48%. Try adding it to grilled fish or using it as a butter substitute in baking.

5. STRIKE A POSE
The right posture will help you appear at least five pounds thinner. To slim your thighs and draw attention to your upper body, sit with your knees up.

For more, check out InStyle’s June issue, on sale now and go to www.InStyle.com.