If you've been sitting on the couch eating chocolate all winter, it's time to get a jump start on your new bikini body -- and it doesn't have to cost you money. Even if you haven't exactly been sticking to your yearlong workout routine, you can still get a toned, tight body in time for summer. Consult your doctor before making any changes in your current workout routine.
Single Leg Pulse
The single leg pulse will help you tone and tighten your butt, abs, legs and shoulders, says Mary Christ Anderson of "Fitness" magazine in the article "Get Your Best Beach Body 2009." Hold a medicine ball with both hands and extend your arms out at the level of your chest directly in front of you so your elbows are straight. Raise your right leg about a foot off the ground and keep your knee straight. Bend your left leg to lower your body a few inches, then straighten your leg to raise back up. Repeat 20 times, then switch legs and repeat the exercise on the opposite side.
Floor Crunches
"Shape" magazine recommends doing crunches on the floor to get ready for bikini season in the article "Bikini Workout." Lie on the ground on a towel or yoga mat and bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. Lift up your shoulders and head slightly off the ground to tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles, then lower back down to the ground. Repeat about 25 times, then stretch by extending your arms and legs out as far as you can while lying on the ground, recommends "Shape."
Pretzel Position
The pretzel position works your butt, hips, chest, biceps and abs, says Anderson. Sit down on the ground with your left knee bent directly in front of your left hip and your right knee bent just behind your body. Both legs should remain on the ground. Hold a weighted medicine ball in both hands at about chest level, with your elbows bent and facing away from your body. Lift your right leg a few inches off the ground, but keep your ankle slightly higher than your knee. Press your knee behind you an additional inch. Lower your leg, then repeat 20 times. Switch legs and repeat 20 times on the opposite side.
Crossover Crunches
Strengthen your abdominal muscles with a stability ball, says Martica Heaner of "Marie Claire" magazine in the article "Exercises for Strong Sexy Abs." Sit down on a stability ball and place both feet flat on the floor. Cross your hands across your chest so each hand rests on the opposite shoulder. Lower your back until you feel your abdominal muscles tighten, then lift your upper body so your left shoulder almost meets your right knee. Do a total of 10 repetitions, then lift your upper body so your right shoulder almost meets your right knee. Repeat for a total of 10 reps.
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