Ten best exercises for a bikini body

There’s no doubt about it, it’s bikini season. No more hiding in long coats and baggy jumpers. If we want that golden tan or to splash about in the pool at all this summer, that’s going to mean braving the swimwear. Now, trust us when we say, it doesn’t matter if you’re blessed with the body of a Victoria’s Secret model or you’re seeing the effects of a winter spent feasting on pie and cakes, almost nobody looks forward to parading around in spandex underwear! Try out our list of the 10 best exercises for a bikini body to help you get in shape, feel fitter and most importantly, confident and happy when you slip on that two-piece.

Running

Begin by upping your stamina and shedding any excess pounds before shaping your body. Get yourself moving by either jogging or running.

Planks

We can hear you groaning from here. Yes, planks are hard, very hard! However, planks work your core, glutes, hamstrings and help with balance and posture. Totally worth the strain! Forearms on the ground shoulder width apart, clench your fists and lift your body from your toes, keep your body flat and linear, then hold.

High knees

This is basically jogging on the spot accept you’re lifting your knee level to your abdomen with each step. This will work your quads, calves, hamstrings and abdominal muscles

Squats

You can literally do squats anywhere! They’re the perfect space and time efficient exercise for toning your thighs and butt!

Crunches

Lay flat with your knees bent, feet on the floor. Sit half way up, lay back down. Crunches are super simple, but very effective for toning your torso and core muscles.

Jumping jacks

This fun little exercise engages every muscle group at once resulting in greater flexibility, plus muscle tone.

Press ups

Don’t forget the arms! Press ups, even the knee ones, strengthen and tone your triceps, shoulders and chest muscles.

Skipping

Adaptable to any fitness level, skipping works the whole body but targets your abdominal muscles.

Lunges

Much like squats, lunges will tone your hamstrings, glutes and quads. Lunging forward on one leg at a time however puts more focus on each leg improving stability, strength and tone.

Hula hooping

Okay, we’ll admit this one is mainly for fun! That being said, hula hooping actually works! By engaging your abs, glutes and thighs you’ll also strengthen the lower back muscles that you utilize for stability.

Sophie Cook