There’s no denying it now, summer is definitely on its way. And we all know what that means…bikini season! If the idea of putting on a bikini makes you want to hop on a plane to Antarctica, put away your parka and read on. This plan, designed especially for you, the harried woman, will get you looking fantastic feeling bikini confident in record time. Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water will help jump start your bikini confidence but what will take you to the finish line and make you feel secure enough to walk around the pool without your towel, will be your exercise routine.

Do this workout three times a week and you’ll see results in no time. So, grab some water, some 5-lb dumbbells (or cans, books, or whatever else you have lying around) and a mat and let’s get started towards that hot bikini bod:

Super-toning push-ups

Hold a full push-up position (knees off the mat), for a 20-second count on both the up part and the down part. Your goal is three sets of 12 complete push-ups.


Squats 'n' shoulders

Standing tall, start with the weights at your side, feet shoulder-width apart. Raise the weights out from your sides, bending slightly at your knees. Do three sets of 12 reps.

High hip run

This is similar to ruling in place but with one important change--bring each knee as high up toward your chest as possible. Do four sets at 30 seconds each.

Basic Crunch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your fingertips to the side of your head just behind your ears. Push your lower back into the floor flattening the arch and hold. Curl up slowly so both your shoulders lift off the floor a few inches.
Hold for a count of two and return to the start position. Do three sets of 12 reps.

Reverse Crunch

Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your upper legs at a 90° angle with your torso. Use your ab muscles to pull your knees toward your chest until they reach your elbows. Do not swing your legs. Hold the crunch position for three seconds and return to the starting position. Do three sets of 12 reps.

Jackknife

Lie on the floor on your back and extend your arms above your head. Simultaneously lift your arms and legs toward the ceiling, until your fingertips touch your toes (if you can). Do not swing your legs. Slowly return to the starting position. Do three sets of 12 reps.

Arm and leg blaster

Start with one leg forward, keeping back straight and abs tight. Bend the forward knee into a lunge position. As you come back up, curl dumbbells toward biceps. Working one leg at a time, do 12 reps before switching sides. Do two sets.

End the workout with some stretches and a big glass of water.

Feeling sleeker already? Continue to do this workout along with your cardio and healthy eating and you will be fabulous in no time. And before you know it you’ll be sporting that little bikini with all the confidence in the world.

Coming Up…Eating for Healthy Hair (is it possible?)