Whether you're preparing for spring break or summer beach season, here are five workout moves to get your body whipped into shape–and bikini body ready.
1. Squats
This is one of Kate Hudson’s favorite moves for beautiful summer legs and booty. It’s no surprise, considering this is the Holy Grail move for a butt you can bounce a quarter off of. Stand with feet shoulder width apart (facing a mirror if you can). Start off without weights, or with a black padded bar of eight to ten pounds placed across your shoulders. Slowly bend your knees—making sure not to go over the toes (injury alert!), keep your back straight and butt sticking out. Squat as low as you can go—the lower the squat, the more the glutes are working! Slowly return to starting position, and then repeat. This move tones glutes, quads, hamstrings. Repeat ten to twelve times in three to four sets. Hold the last squat of the last set for ten seconds—working your way up to thirty. Warning: it will burn in a very good way.
2. Lunges
This is the best complement to the squat. Split legs—one forward, one behind, keeping the front leg bent (again, avoid the knee over the toe thing) while the back leg is kept straight. You can do this with hands on your hips to start—and once you work up to it, add the weights at your side. Slowly lower yourself down, keeping your back leg straight, until your back knee is almost touching the ground. Keep all the weight in your heels, then slowly rise to starting position. Try eight to twelve reps in sets of three.
3. Walking Lunges
This is very similar to number two, except it really gets your heart pumping! While you’re busy toning that soon-to-be-fab behind of yours, you are also getting some cardio. Start in the same position as the stationary lunge, except instead of returning to starting position, bring both legs together and follow with a lunge from the opposite leg, moving forward with a walk. Try three sets of twelve reps. To start, try this exercise without weights. Once you’ve gotten the form down, add hand weights or a medicine ball. When using the medicine ball, hold it out in front of your chest to work that core, arms and shoulders at the same time!
4. Leg Raises
This may sound a little too “aerobics instructor,” but believe me, this is the best exercise to tighten and smooth the thighs. And it’s accessible and easy to do anywhere! On a mat, lay on one side, legs together. Raise the top leg so it is at a ninety-degree angle. Slowly lower back to starting position, without allowing legs to touch. Try three sets of twenty-five; as you get stronger, increase reps.
5. Jumping Rope
Unlike creams, gels, and wishes, jumping rope is the most effective way to rid your butt and thighs of cellulite. In addition to blasting cellulite, this great workout shapes your calves and strengthens the heart. Best way to incorporate jumping rope? In between sets of weight training. This allows you to maximize the calories your burn in a short period of time, so you don’t have to spend hours at the gym—all while getting a better workout.
