One of the most common questions I am asked as a trainer this time of year is, “What’s the fastest way I can get my bikini body back?” Ok, let’s face it people. Bikini season is NOT right around the corner… IT’S HERE!

Whether you need to totally get in shape or just have a little fine tuning to do, here’s my list of fitness must haves to give you the confidence to strut your stuff on the beach this summer… and fast!

1. You have to have the right fuel for your workouts. Livestrong.com’s The Daily Plate is a great way to track calories (there’s even an iphone application!). My theory: if you don’t track what you eat, you will conveniently forget about that handful of Cheetos you chased with a diet coke.
2. Drink 1/2 your body weight in oz of water. Seriously.
3. Don’t skip more than one day of workouts. If you skip more, that one day missed will turn into a week, which turns into 3 months.
4. Everybody talks about exercise being a lifestyle change. Okay, so let’s talk about that. What is your daily routine? You get up, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, check emails, etc… One hour of your life must be dedicated to exercise. Your body is begging for it.
5. Never do the same workout. Ever. Why do you go to the gym and do your routine 30 minutes of cardio and 50 crunches? Because you know you can. Challenge yourself and give your body a reason to change. Don’t expect change if you aren’t willing to do something different.
6. Use a heart rate monitor. It’s a personal trainer on your wrist. Hands down, the best piece of equipment you can buy.

The Bikini Body Sample Workout:

• Warm-up with a light walk. Heart rate will come up to 65% of maximum heart rate.
• 5 minutes all out cardio - (Eliptical, treadmill, bike, etc.) Burn nothing less than 50 calories. Heart rate should be 85% -90% of max.
• 30 push-ups - Take your time on these, do 3 at a time if you have to.
• 5 minutes of all out cardio - Heart rate is 85%-90% of max. You are working hard. Find a hill and get on it. Get up it fast.
• 30 lunges with a set of 8 lb weights
• 5 minutes of all out cardio - Heart rate is 85%-90% of max.
• 30 shoulder presses with 8 lb weights
• 5 minutes of cardio - Don’t let up here. Push through it. Burn nothing less than 50 calories.
• 30 slow bicycle abs
• 5 minutes of all out cardio
• 30 fast jumping lunges
• Repeat all of the above
• Cooldown and stretch

If you really want a challenge and a kick start to your bikini body, sign up for one of my bootcamps at www.extremefittraining.com.