If you're struggling with dropping those last few pounds, then ditch the diet and race to your dream body — literally! Instead of getting frustrated, sign up for a race and start seeing results. Unlike the gym or diets, entering a race will keep you on track and motivated. It doesn't have to be a marathon, either; there are several beginner-friendly options like triathlons and 10Ks just for women. Between the deadline and a training plan, there are a lot of reasons why a little competition should have you well on your way to your fitness goals. 

• There's a deadline: A set date means a set goal. With the race marked on your calendar, there is little room for procrastination or excuses. Because you have to be in shape by a certain day, it offers you all the more reason to create a schedule and visualise your dream body by a specific date.
• There's a plan: When it comes a training, find something that works for you: a friend, group, or program. To start, consider training plans for a sprint triathlon, half marathon, or a marathon. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Training with a motivating partner is a great way to hold you accountable, and many races have local training clubs leading up to race day (that information can be found on their webpage).
• There's money involved: Races aren't free. With money on the line, this is all the more reason to follow through and get the most bang for your buck. Aside from your hot body, you'll probably walk away with loads of swag, too — win.
• There's variety: Let's be honest — diets can be bland, and the gym can be routine. Training for a race (especially a triathlon) allows you mix it up. Between strength training at the gym and hitting the pavement outdoors, there are several way to keep it fresh and prevent boredom.
• There's a lot of fun to be had: Signing up for your first competition can be nerve-racking, but ultimately it's fun. Not only will you be training toward your goals, but also, you'll develop friendships and learn a lot about yourself along the way. Don't forget about the post-race parties, either. There's rarely a race without a celebration that doesn't include food or dancing!

If you're struggling with dropping those last few pounds, then ditch the diet and race to your dream body — literally! Instead of getting frustrated, sign up for a race and start seeing results. Unlike the gym or diets, entering a race will keep you on track and motivated. It doesn't have to be a marathon, either; there are several beginner-friendly options like triathlons and 5Ks just for women. Between the deadline and a training plan, there are a lot of reasons why a little competition should have you well on your way to your fitness goals.

• There's a deadline: A set date means a set goal. With the race marked on your calendar, there is little room for procrastination or excuses. Because you have to be in shape by a certain day, it offers you all the more reason to create a schedule and visualize your dream body by a specific date.
• There's a plan: When it comes a training, find something that works for you: a friend, group, or program. To start, consider training plans for a sprint triathlon, half marathon, or a marathon. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Training with a motivating partner is a great way to hold you accountable, and many races have local training clubs leading up to race day (that information can be found on their webpage).
• There's money involved: Races aren't free. On average, entry fees are about $100 — a bargain considering most diet programs. With money on the line, this is all the more reason to follow through and get the most bang for your buck. Aside from your hot body, you'll probably walk away with loads of swag, too — win.
• There's variety: Let's be honest — diets can be bland, and the gym can be routine. Training for a race (especially a triathlon) allows you mix it up. Between strength training at the gym and hitting the pavement outdoors, there are several way to keep it fresh and prevent boredom.
• There's a lot of fun to be had: Signing up for your first competition can be nerve-racking, but ultimately it's fun. Not only will you be training toward your goals, but also, you'll develop friendships and learn a lot about yourself along the way. Don't forget about the postrace parties, either. There's rarely a race without a celebration that doesn't include food or dancing!

Instead of sticking to your usual running routine this week, challenge your legs with a swim. Similar to running, swimming is an optimal cardio workout and an impact-friendly way to cross-train. A total-body workout, this intermediate swim includes sets geared specifically at your legs. Substitute it for one of your weekly runs, or use it to train for your next triathlon. It's a tough one, but your legs will thank you!

Check out the workout after the break.

Between its sweet, salty taste and easy preparation, there's not much to hate about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. But, every once in a while, even the classics need to be refreshed and we have just the ways. From popping it on the grill to adding fluff, your kids will love these fun additions and may even be a bit surprised. Find out our six favorite additions below!

• Add crunch: Everything tastes better with a little crunch! The next time you go to make your sandwich, try adding apple slices, granola, extra peanuts, or even a few chocolate chips. Yum!
• Turn to Elvis: Leave it to "the King" to know how to make a good sandwich. Elvis loved the combo of peanut butter and bananas and your kids will too. Some say add bacon as well, but that's not so lunchbox friendly. . .
• Throw it on the grill: A little heat will offer your sandwich a big upgrade — trust us. Throw your sandwich on the grill or panini press and watch the flavors melt together in perfection. The slight crunch of the toasted bread seals the deal. Just don't forget to serve with extra napkins!
• Get creative: Because a peanut butter and jelly is so basic, it leaves room for a lot of creativity. Try switching up the bread for tortillas, pretzel bread, croissants, or rice crackers. If you're really feeling really adventurous bust out the cookie cutters. After a little tweaking, they surly won't be trading their lunch.
• Switch up the pb and/or the jelly: Although the perfect pair, a little separation never hurt. Try swapping the jelly for marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or apricot preserve. As for the peanut butter, explore different nut butters like cashew or almond butter.
• Take it beyond the sandwich: Peanut butter and jelly is too good to be just a sandwich. Try mixing it up with French toast, muffins, or even in this waffle 'wich.

Turn your pool into a party this Summer with toys that make a splash. While swimming alone will keep your little ones entertained, we found toys that will seriously elevate their time at the pool. Between the lite up torpedoes and the wild animals, the fun and games are bound to be endless. Below are six affordable options every little swimmer will love, check them out below!

• HydroHulls ($9, originally $11): These boats will get your swimmers ready to race. Between the self-launcher and the bright colors, the competition will be fierce!
• Fish Rings ($2): Whether they're used for floating or play, these inner tubes will fill your pool with fishy fun.
• Hammerhead Pool Predator ($17): Turn your pool into the big blue sea with this pool predator. Although he won't bite, he will make a fun game of pretend play.
• TossNSplash ($16): Have your little swimmers test their aim and throwing skills with this floating target. Complete with game balls, the kids can compete and score against each other for prizes.
• Toypedo Lite Up Bandits ($9): Not just any torpedo, these bandits lite up! With the impact-activated lights, the games will be endless.
• Sizzlin' Cool Animal Rider ($7): Make swims wild with this floating crocodile. The kids will love taking rides and pretending the pool to has turned into a lagoon!

Have five minutes to spare? Take your posture from poor to perfect with this quick back workout. Combining a variety of exercises from yoga to weights, this sequence will not only improve your posture, but it will help your runs, too. Beginners, try doing each exercise for 30 seconds and, when needed, rest in a 30-second Child's Pose. For an advanced version, complete each exercise for a minute, finishing with a long stretch.

Number One: Superman Lifts

• Lie on your belly, engage your abs, and extend your arms straight out in front of you.
• Lift your legs, arms, and chest off the floor. Hold for a count of 10 and then slowly release your body back to the floor.
• Perform as many reps as you can in one minute.

Make this move more challenging by holding a stability ball between your legs.

Number Two: Warrior 3

• Stand with your feet together. Inhale as you extend your arms out wide in a T position or straight overhead for a more advanced variation.
• Exhale as you bend forward at your hips, lifting your right leg straight behind you coming into Warrior 3. Draw your navel toward your spine and hold for five breaths. Then come to stand, lower your right leg, and repeat with the left leg lifted for another five breaths.
• Continue this movement for one minute

Keep reading to see the rest of the workout.