It’s vacation time, which means so many of us have one thing on our mind: How are you going to look in that swimsuit?! Well, we know that you look fabulous just the way you are. But working out isn’t supposed to be about looking good for that one swimsuit shot on Instagram – it’s about building strength, stability and self-sufficiency. Exercise is a joy and an opportunity, not a chore. So while you’re working to be your best you, here are a few pieces of motivation that will take you beyond swimsuit season:

Strength equals self-sufficiency. Being strong is empowering. If you’re anything like us, you did a little happy dance for yourself the day that you were able to open the jar of salsa by yourself. It also never hurts to know that you have a solid shot of outrunning a stranger you meet in a dark alley.

Physical strength leads to mental strength. Being healthy and fit can help you see the world differently. As you are running outside you feel the warmth of the sun on your face, smell the scent of freshly cut grass and hear the sounds of the birds and the bees. All of these little details that we don’t always notice make up some of the best aspects in life.

Running is a team sport. Not only are fitness activities strong networking events, but group activities can build friendships that last a lifetime. So many of our Aloette Beauty Consultants run together to get in shape for the International Conference or share selfies at the gym to keep each other motivated throughout the year. Our Beauty Consultants even stay fit together virtually; Kristen Jones, franchise owner of Aloette of Central Coast California, lead her fellow franchise owners in a desk yoga exercise during a virtual business meeting that kept everyone energized as they worked on their business!

Endorphins help you cope. A good sweat session can clear the slate and amplify energy. The next time it feels like nothing is going your way, don’t grab the cookies – grab the weights.

And finally, if you feel beautiful, you look beautiful. Looking beautiful starts on the inside, and being fit and strong feels beautiful.

So stop worrying about that one beach vacation and that one swimsuit, and start thinking about the joy of working out. And for even more fitness inspiration, here are a few of our top Aloette product picks for the gym:

• Refresh after a good sweat with a blast of Aloeganic aloe vera from our Nutri-Hydrating Mist
• Enjoy your outdoor run with SPF 25 protection from Correction Code AM DD Creme
• Keep skin protected from environmental damage with The Guardian Environmental Protection Serum
• And reward yourself with a night out featuring a makeover from Beauty by Aloette