19 Ways to Prep Your Body for Swimsuit Season

It's getting close to bathing suit season, a time that many people dread. Not because they don't like the sun and not because they don't want to relax on the beach, but because they feel self-conscious in a swimsuit. While we don't ever want anyone to doubt their awesomeness, here are some ways we can all start prepping for a summer of fun.

First off, get in a good, close shave of your legs right now. Don't forget those hard-to-reach spots around the ankle, back of your calves and the tops of your feet and toes.

Clean up your bikini line in whatever way you prefer. Book a professional waxing or go DIY (but check out these tips and tricks first). Of course, if you don't want to shave your bikini area, you totally don't have to!

Do get a pedicure (or give yourself one). There's nothing like a freshly cleaned-up, trimmed-up, painted-up set of toes to make you love getting out in the summer.

Everyone's skin is just a little bit different when it comes to type and sun sensitivity. But one thing we all need if we're going to spend significant amounts of time in the sun is a good sunscreen. Look at the reviews and find one that's right for your skin. Remember, your body and your face need different creams or sprays, especially if your face is prone to breakouts. Maybe save the glitter sunscreens for the kids.

For a lot of people, the hardest part about swimsuit season is finding the right swimsuit. So start now. Order a bunch from online shops with generous return policies, invite over a trusted friend and start trying them on. Give yourself weeks and weeks, try styles you thought you'd never look good in (including two-pieces, if you've been a one-piece person), and don't rely on what you see in the dressing room mirrors (the lighting is terrible!). Take a chance on different patterns and cuts. Save the tankini for lap swimming.

In the meantime, if you're coming out of this long winter with a bit more of a tummy pooch than you'd like, start cutting back on carbs and sugar now. It doesn't have to be forever but after a couple of weeks, you'll be rid of the extra bloat.

If you'd like to perk up your backside a little for the beach, get into a daily squats routine. Learn how to do a proper squat, with or without weights, and start a 30-day squat challenge.

For tightening up your core, planks are your best bet. If it's been awhile, start with a 15-second plank and work up to three to five minutes once a day. Make sure your plank form is good so you're getting the core-strengthening benefits of a plank and not hurting your back. Try a 30-day plank challenge.

Don't avoid push-ups. They're a great way to strengthen and tone arms but too many women think they'll bulk up or that they can't do them. Learn the proper push-up technique and focus on good form. You'll start to see definition after just a couple of weeks if you're consistent.

Tricep dips are another way to tone up your arms for the summer, especially if you're self-conscious about a little jiggle in the back. You can do tricep (or bench) dips just about anywhere, and you don't even have to change into workout gear to get them done. But, as with all exercises that focus on one area, you need to make sure you've got proper form in order to get results.

For people who spend a lot of time sitting (at a desk, on the couch), your back may be one of your most neglected (and unnoticed) areas. If that bothers you and keeps you from enjoying time in your swimsuit, start now with toning things up. Use resistance bands wrapped around a doorknob to focus on toning the back.

Healthy, glowing skin is as much a part of your poolside look as a well-cut swimsuit. Going to a Korean spa and getting a full-on exfoliating rubdown will leave you, yes, a little raw. But in the next days your skin will look young, clean, refreshed and aglow. If you can't find a Korean spa, look for exfoliation packages at your local spa. Or DIY it up with a sugar and almond oil scrub with your favorite essential oils.

Even though many parts of the country are humid and swampy in the summer, the heat, salty water from the ocean or chemicals from the pool will dry out your skin. Start moisturizing now. Find an emollient cream or body butter, and use it generously after you shower and before you go to bed. Don't forget your feet—especially your heels. Wearing sandals and open-toed shoes will turn your baby soft feet into alligator skin well before you can get in for a pedicure.

The best way to reduce sun exposure is to stay out of the sun. But that's no fun at the beach on a beautiful summer day. Instead, make sure that the face and skin products you use don't increase damage to the skin when exposed to the sun. This is the case for many retinol and Retin-A products. If your usual skincare regimen includes products that recommend you stay out of the sun, now is the time to come up with a backup plan. If you know you'll be headed to the beach, change it up for a few days.

Don't live in flip-flops again this summer. Sure, have a pair for showering after the pool or maybe to take out the trash. But for all other summer events, wear a pair of cute and comfortable sandals. Your cute summer feet deserve it.

Hats are a great way to top off a cute outfit. They also serve double-duty to protect your face from too much sun exposure. But not everyone feels comfortable in a hat. Make the time now to find one that you love, that's versatile and easy to pack—thereby increasing the likelihood that you'll wear it.

Hydration is everything for your body and the summer heat is excellent at depleting it. Instead of spending money on countless plastic bottles of water, find an insulated one that you'll carry around all summer. Throw in ice cubes to keep it cold and cut lemon or fruit to entice you to drink it. Rinse and repeat daily.

You're all cleaned up and ready for summer in a suit that you finally love. Now get ready to take it to the next level—that is, pictures on social media. Find your favorite selfie pose now—you'll have fantastic natural light that will only make you look better. Also, find your favorite way to pose in group shots because you know you're going to get tagged. Try out a few of these group-shot techniques ahead of time so you're always ready to pose.

The best way to get ready for swimsuit season is to say "screw it, I love summer!" Know that most people are at least a little bit uncomfortable and a whole lot self-conscious with so much skin exposed at the pool or beach. If that's kept you from having fun in summers past, starting working through your feelings now. Everyone deserves a day free of stress. Including you. Start letting go and get ready to take the plunge.