More than one entrant told us that their secrets shouldn’t be secret. They described eating healthier by cutting out fats and adding more fruits and vegetables. They explained how they add more exercise to their days by walking around the mall before shopping or running up and down stairs. 

Most exercise plans didn’t require fancy equipment, usually nothing more than an exercise mat or basic set of free weights.In the end, we decided that Leslie Talbert’s get-fit plan was the best because it incorporated all-over toning and shaping exercises and a lean foods. Here, in her own words, is how Leslie shapes up for summer.

The Winning Secret
When I know summer is just around the corner, I change my usual exercise routine to fit the temperature and to tone up the love handles. I run three to five miles three days a week in the early morning, and I do a longer run on Saturdays, usually eight to 10 miles. I bring my suit to the local YMCA, and cool off by doing laps in the pool. I do at least a 1/4 mile in the pool, which is an all-over body toner.

At night, I push my daughter on the swing, which is great for shoulders and triceps, and I do a few chinups on the monkey bars. I am up to four chinups, and I think I will be able to do ten by the end of the summer. Then when we are all watching TV, I do situps and free weights.

As for diet changes, I eat tons of hummus (for protein) and pickles, or make a wheat wrap with hummus and sunflower seeds. I also make sure I eat at least one regular (not low-fat) yogurt a day, and we eat low-fat frozen yogurt for treats. Grilling out is big at my house for the summer, and grilling food is better for you than frying it.