Five Tips on Keeping That Swimsuit Body in Sweater Weather

You can feel it in the air: summer is drawing to a close. You've had three great months of showing off your summer body at the beach, at the pool, at the lake -- in fact, anywhere you could, you've been showing off that hot bod you worked so hard to get. Soon it will be sweater weather, and people will be wondering what's under your sweater. The answer is simple: your summertime swimsuit body. You will know, with confidence, that anytime your sweater comes off, people will still admire your body. Here's how to do it.

1. Actually go swimming.

If you are a member of a gym with a pool, make use of it. Swimming is the greatest all-round exercise your body can get. It will keep you toned, strong and lean. It will also be easier for you, psychologically, to stay in your optimum shape if you have to be seen in public in your swimsuit every day.

2. Change nothing.

Continue to eat the way you eat now. Your summertime food plan has worked wonders for you this year, and you are in the best shape of your life. Since it's working, why not just keep letting it work for you. Don't fall into the old habit of allowing yourself pumpkin-spiced ice cream, lattes, muffins, scones and other foods that pop up every fall; don't snack on the Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies and Christmas cookies. Simply stay the course of your true diet, and avoid the holiday pounds.

3. Change everything.

It's true that autumn and winter is a time when bodies change. The body naturally needs more insulation during cold months. So adapt your workout with the weather. Take advantage of your body's natural change by hiring a trainer to help you build even more muscle, or start with a new sports group. Take up rugby, soccer or football. Join ClassPass and experiment with boxing, dance or yoga. Continue to learn and grow and stretch your body and your mind by learning new things. The shock to the system will cause great gains in your physique -- gains you will want to show off.

4. Adopt a lifestyle.

If you watch the popular show "American Ninja Warrior," you know that the athletes who participate are in incredible shape. Many of the die-hards talk about how they train 365 days a year. Most Olympic athletes train the same way: they have a plan, a goal and a lifestyle. When you make health and fitness your lifestyle -- and not just something you kind of, sort of commit to so that you can look good during swimsuit season or for any other specific event -- it's easier to fall off of the health and fitness wagon, landing face first in foods that you wouldn't even consider eating during the summer months, not to mention a lethargy that costs you all that muscle you worked so hard to make. If, however, you prioritize your health and fitness as a lifestyle, it becomes second nature -- like breathing, like waking in the morning and going to the bathroom, like holding your spouse's hand as you fall asleep. You have to, though, make the decision that it is, in fact, your lifestyle.

5. Don't wear sweaters.

Just because it's sweater weather doesn't mean you have to wear one. In fact, continue wearing body-hugging clothing that shows off your shape. If you want to wear season-appropriate clothing, at least choose autumnal warms that hug your muscles and taut skin. When there is less of a chance to hide under a sweater, you won't fall prey to the habit of seasonal eating and weight gain.

As quickly as this summer has gone by, the months of sweaters, scarves, coats and covering up too will go, and before you know it you will be training once more to look good in your 2016 swimsuit. Why not start that training now and simply show up at the beach to people asking why you never age, because you look exactly the same as you did last summer? Except for that sexy new swimsuit.