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The GL Bikini Body Workout: with sun, surf and handsome hotties looming on the horizon, it's time to strut the sand with a whole new body-lovin' attitude. Let our works-for-everybody workout help you get your bikini-best bod

Girls' Life, April-May, 2005 by Martica Heaner

Looking good in a swimsuit isn't about having the hottest body on the beach. What it really comes down to is how great you feel. Girls come in all different fabulous shapes and sizes, and you can pretty much thank Morn and Dad for yours. But no matter what body type you've been dealt, you can improve it.

All you've got to do is work it--any body looks better when it's firmer and more toned. And having all-over strong muscles pumps up your confidence level. Plus, revving your metabolism not only helps you stay leaner but packs pizzazz into your personality. Radiating energy is the key to body-confident charisma.

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The GL Bikini Body Workout targets the muscles that give you a tight, curvy shape. All you need are a pair of sneakers, comfortable exercise clothes and some weights. You can do the moves without weights but, for best results, use 3- to 8-pound dumbbells. Just spend 30 minutes d every other day following this routine, and (we promise!) your bikini body will be rockin' in just six wonderful weeks.

HOW TO WORK IT FOR ULTIMATE RESULTS

Do all the toning exercises as slowly as possible. Sculpting is about using muscle control, not momentum. Begin with a 5-minute warm-up--walking or jogging in place--then do the moves we've outlined for you on these pages. You can do light stretches before or after these exercises, as well. You'll see the best results by incorporating weights into the exercises. Start with light weights (about 3 pounds), and gradually increase pound by pound as the exercises become easier. Certain muscles are stronger than others, so you might find that you need to vary the weights for each exercise. If you have only one set of weights, you can double up by holding two in one hand and doing an exercise one arm at a time. Good weights can be purchased at performbetter.com spriproducts.com or any leading sporting goods store.

IF YOU WANT FLATTER ABS, DO THESE....

THE PLANK

START Position yourself with your hands and knees on the floor. Drop your hips and walk your hands forward so that your knees hips, head and shoulders form a diagonal line. Make sure your butt neither sinks nor pikes up too high. Flatten your lower abs by pulling in your bellybutton, but avoid pulling in so much that your spine curves. Hold this flattening contraction for 60 seconds before moving on to the final step.

FINISH Keep the lower abs tight to stabilize your pelvis and spine. Slow y lift your right knee up, then your left knee, and straighten both legs behind you. You should be propped up on your toes and hands, with your body forming a diagonal line from head to heels. Keep your torso stable, and continue pulling your belly button in while breathing normally. Hold for 15 seconds, working your way up to 2 minutes over a period of several weeks (add 5 to 10 more seconds each time).

THE TWO-WAY CRUNCH

START Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Raise your legs so your knees are above your hips and your calves are parallel to the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head, elbows to the sides. Contract abs, pulling your bellybutton into your spine.

FINISH Exhale, and squeeze your abs as you lift your hips slightly off the floor. Bring your knees toward your chest, simultaneously lifting your head and shoulders a few inches off the floor. Inhale as you lower. Slowly repeat for 15 total repetitions.

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IF YOU WANT FIRMER ARMS, DO THESE....

THE TRICEPS DIP

START Sit on a bench, and grip the edge of the seat with both hands on either side of your butt. Hold your arms straight but not locked. Keep feet flat and knees bent, Walk your feet slightly forward, contract your abs and lift your butt so your hips are level with the front of the seat.

FINISH Supporting yourself with your hands, slowly lower your butt until your upper arms are almost parallel to the floor (elbows and shoulders will be bent at a 45- to 90-degree angle). Push yourself back up to the straight-arm position, and repeat for a total of 12 times.

THE CONCENTRATION CURL

START Sit on a bench or chair with your knees bent and feet separated shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand and lean slightly forward from your hips. Let your arm hang down in line with your shoulder, palm facing in. Place your right hand on your right thigh for support.

FINISH Exhale, and bend your left elbow to curl the dumbbell toward your lee shoulder. Slowly lower and repeat 12 times, then switch arms and do another 12 repetitions. (Because your biceps are strong, make sure the weight you use is heavy enough to fatigue your muscles.)

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IF YOU WANT A TIGHTER BUTT, DO THESE....

THE SIDE STEP-UP

START Stand to the right side of an exercise step-bench. Place your right foot on the step, toe pointing forward.

FINISH Step sideways onto step, squeezing your buttocks and pressing your body weight into your right foot. Lift the left leg off the floor and to your left side as high as you comfortably can without your body tilting. Step down with your left foot first, then right. Repeat 15 times slowly on each side.

The GL Bikini Body Workout: with sun, surf and handsome hotties looming on the horizon, it's time to strut the sand with a whole new body-lovin' attitude. Let our works-for-everybody workout help you get your bikini-best bod

Girls' Life, April-May, 2005 by Martica Heaner

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