The Best Ab Workouts for a Perfect Bikini Bod

Okay ladies, summer time is right around the corner. It will be here before we know it, whether we are ready or not! So if you really want that summer bod, you must work hard for it right now! Here are five Ab workouts that have been known to give people that swimsuit model torso. Keep these in mind every time you work out and soon enough, you will start seeing some awesome changes to your stomach. Most importantly, DO NOT get discouraged; Abs do not develop in one day. It takes up to one to three months to get those perfect abs. However, it will surely be worth it in the end!

1. Reverse Crunches: First, lay flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Raise your hips off the floor and bring your knees towards your face and then back down again. Do this work out at a moderate pace. You should be squeezing your abs the entire time. You’ll really feel this one! This workout targets your lower abdominals. Do two sets of fifty. 
2. Toe-Touches: First, lay flat on your back. Raise your legs straight up, perpendicular to the floor. Now, you are going to take both hands and reach up as high as you can to touch your toes (you don’t have to actually touch them if you aren’t that flexible). Make sure your shoulders are being lifted up off of the ground. Do this at a moderately fast pace. This workout targets your lower and upper abdominals. Do two sets of fifty. 
3. V-Ups: This one is a tough one, but it is probably one of the most effective abdominal workouts. First lay flat on your back with your arms extended above your head. Then, raise your shoulders, back, and your legs simultaneously. Your legs should be extended the entire time. After you raise your back and shoulders, reach your arms out to your legs. Your body should be making a “V” shape. This workout will only be effective if you reach your arms and raise your legs as high as you can. Each rep must also be done with control, meaning that you must try your best to keep those legs straight. This workout targets your lower and upper abdominals. Do this at your own pace, but no breaks in between reps! Do four sets of twenty. 
4. Flutter Kicks: This is another tough one, but a good one! Lay flat on your back with your arms by your sides. Raise your legs about six inches off of the floor (keep your legs straight). Now, with out letting your legs touch the floor, alternate each leg in a small up and down motion; a.k.a flutter! This should be done at a fast pace. This workout targets your lower and upper abdominals. Each flutter kick done by both legs count as one rep! Do four sets of twenty. 
5. Cardio: Last but definitely not least, there’s cardio! One could do all the ab workouts she wants; however the results will not come without cardio. Cardio is probably the most important workout when it comes to your abs. Why? Because the purpose of these ab exercises is to define your abdominals. However, cardio is what makes the fat that covers your abs, disappear! Therefore it is extremely important to incorporate at least 30 minutes of cardio into your workout routine. You can jog, run, bike, or even do a Zumba class! You can even split up your cardio. For example, fifteen minutes of biking followed by fifteen minutes of jogging. Either way, Cardio is the absolute key to getting that bikini stomach. 

   Now, nowhere in this article did I say that getting that dream bod would be easy. It is going to take hard work and dedication. Now is the time to get ready for that beach bod! Don’t give up; you will be shopping for new bikinis in no time!

• VCU Health