How to Get Beach Body Abs Fast

Near the end of winter, magazines begin featuring articles on how to get fab abs in time for summer. During the summer, gossip magazines feature covers of celebrities with the best "beach bodies." Everyone wants to look good in his/her bathing suit over the summer but flat abs don't come overnight. Dedication and strong willpower are necessary. However, if you follow a strict regimen for about a month, you'll see changes in your midsection.

Things You'll Need

• An exercise mat or towel
• Time set aside at least five days a week to do the exercises below; aim for 45 minutes.
• A kitchen free of junk food

Instructions

Exercises

1. Abdomen lifts. Lie on your back with your feet placed flat on the floor and knees bent. Lift your waist toward the ceiling and repeat 30 times. Then repeat the move but hold your waist in the raised position for 10 seconds. Do this 10 times. These moves target the lower belly and buttocks.

2. Reverse crunches. Still on the floor, place your hands behind your head and lift your shoulders off the floor. Raise your feet off the floor and bring them toward your chest while you keep your hands behind your head. Repeat this move 45 times. This exercise targets the upper abdominal muscles.

3. Regular crunches. Remain on the floor with feet planted on the ground and knees bent. With your hands behind your head, raise your shoulders as high off the floor as you can. Repeat this move 45 times. This exercise is best for the middle abdominal muscles.

4. Oblique crunches. This move is similar to regular crunches, except that when you raise your shoulders, bring one elbow to the opposite knee. For example, raise your shoulders and turn your body so that your left elbow touches your right knee. Repeat the move 50 times. This exercise is targeted toward the muscles on the side of your midsection.

5. Plank hold. Flip over onto your stomach and raise your body off the floor. Put all of your body weight on your forearms and your toes. Although you will feel stress in your arms as well, the move is great for building the core muscles of your middle.

6. Cardio exercise is also important. The exercises will strengthen the muscles, but some of the fat layering those muscles needs to be burned off as well. Cardio exercise such as running, bicycling, swimming or fast walking will burn the fat, so you'll be able to see your newly defined abs. Aim for 30 to 40 minutes of cardio in conjunction with the abdominal exercises.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid foods and drinks that cause bloating, such as dairy products, foods high in carbohydrates, carbonated drinks, beer and alcoholic drinks containing sugar.