expert advice: five moves for a beach-ready body

It's April 1st--summer is only weeks away! Before you panic because you're not ready to shed your winter layers, try these five moves for a beach-ready body--from Celebrity Fitness Trainer Ashley Conrad. Designed to elicit serious results in a short period of time, Ashley’s signature “Clutch” system boasts celebrity clients like Kate Hudson, Rashida Jones, Taye Diggs, Goldie Hawn, Oliver Hudson and Mackenzie Phillips. I think you'll be a fan too.

5 Best Moves/Tips To Get Your Body Beach Ready

BURPEE
Equipment: Bodyweight

1) Start in the push-up position.
2) Bring legs underneath you just wider than shoulders.
3) From this position, explode up and jump up off the ground.
4) Land and immediately place your hands just outside your feet, then go back to the start push-up position.
5) Repeat for 15 repetitions

SHADOW BOXING
Equipment: 3 lb dumb bells

1) Shadow box for 30 seconds

JUMPING LUNGES
Equipment: Bodyweight
This exercise is a very effective way to firm, shape, tone, build and increase muscular endurance for the legs. To perform this exercise correctly:

1) Stand in a lunge position, right foot forward.
2) Make sure to keep your hands behind your head.
3) Jump up and switch foot position in mid-air, landing in a lunge position, with
your left foot forward, keeping your hands behind your head.
4) Repeat eight times for each leg.

PLANK
Equipment: Mat

1) Lie on a mat on your stomach with your palms face down and at your shoulders.
2) Your legs and feet should be together with your toes down.
3) Now, lift your body up, as if you were going to do a push up, and keep your arms straight, as well as your entire body.
4) While breathing consistently, hold, and repeat as recommended.
5) Make sure to not let your stomach or hips drop, but keep your entire body in alignment.
6) Hold for 15 seconds.

OLD SCHOOL PUSH UPS
Equipment: Bodyweight

1) Place hands on ground 12 inches outside of shoulders and then bring your body to the plank position.
2) Bring body down until your upper and forearm reach an angle of 90 degrees then push back up to the start position.
3) Your body should remain completely straight throughout the movement.
4) Do as many of these that you can, then drop to your knees and do as many as you can in this position.

Get more smooth moves on Ashley's website, http://www.clutchbodyshop.com.

expert advice: from Dr. Neal Schultz of DermTV.com

You can never be too careful with your kids in the sun. Face it: Those rays are strong and kids could care less--they just want to play! New York City-based cosmetic/medical dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz, the Internet's first daily skincare video show host, shares his "skinsight" when it comes to keeping your kids well protected.
1. "Regardless of whether the sunscreen says 'waterproof' or 'water-resistant,' it's going to come off after 20 to 30 minutes of kids playing in the water and needs to be reapplied at least every hour (see How to Properly Apply Sunscreen, Episode #11)."
2. "Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 with 'broad spectrum protection' or with 'UVA' protection (see How to Choose the Right Sunscreen, Episode #13)."
3. "The first time to apply sunscreen is when washing your kids' faces and brushing their teeth after they wake up in the morning, instead of waiting till you go outside or get to the beach. This is to make sunscreen application part of a child's daily hygiene at an early age so it's put on every day of the year. It's best to start that habit early."
In addition, check out the booklet "Play It Safe In the Sun" by Perry Robins, MD, available from The Skin Cancer Foundation.
Go to www.DermTV.com for more great skincare advice from Dr. Schultz and answers to your most prominent skincare questions.

spring break

The kids have been cranky, your spouse snaps at everything and you really need a change from the daily doldrums. Sounds like it's time for a change of scenery. But where can you take the whole family when you need a break? Barcelo La Jolla de Mismaloya was recently named "most family friendly resort in Mexico." After a multi-million dollar renovation, the luxurious all-suite, all-inclusive property offers families all the space and amenities they need (you'll find some of the largest rooms of any beachfront property here). Says Claudio A. Zboznovits, vice president of sales and marketing in the U.S. and Canada, "With our redesigned suites and renewed public spaces, we have further strengthened our positioning as a family favorite hotel." Just 20 minutes from downtown Puerta Vallarta, the hotel overlooks Mismaloya Bay and its 317 one- and two-bedroom suites boast balconies with panoramic views. There are four outdoor swimming pools with waterfalls, a children's slide, Jacuzzis, on-site shopping, a state-of-the-art fitness center (for your well-deserved dose of R & R) and five restaurants (to please each of your children's palates). To make your reservation or for more info, call 1-800-Barcelo, or visit www.barcelolajollademismaloya.com.