Some sporty ways to get your body bikini-ready.

If you’re the type who does yoga, weights and walking to get slim and trim, you
may want to take up some popular sports and get your body ready for the upcoming
summer season.

The sports: Golf, softball, tennis, football and soccer.
You’re probably thinking-wait, “I played those games decades ago,” how can
they help me today?

Well, you have to continue reading, for more information.

1) Softball-
If your belly isn’t as flat as you’d like, then you may want to get out the bat
and start swinging. Whether you’re swinging with all of your might, or taking
a few grounders, you’re working both the rectus and transverse abdominis
muscles. These muscles work to tuck in a lower-belly bulge and create an
enviable six-pack with definition.
Another tip:
As you swing the bat, press your shoulders down and lengthen your neck.
This will help you keep your eye on the ball, plus engage the trapezius to
sculpt the upper back.

2) Golf-
Not a fan of golf or no equipment at home? No problem, just head to a yard (tag)
sale and pickup some used clubs and practice in the backyard. Golf can help you
whittle down your middle. That’s because the swinging action of a full swing
activates the obliques (muscles that wrap around the torso and cinch in the waist
like a corset), and the erector spinae (are lower back muscles that melt that muffin top).
Important tip: If you have back problems, you may want to avoid this activity, as
taking swings also works your back.
Another tip:
While taking a few swings, you can also work on your calves by pressing up on your
tiptoes. This exercise builds the calves and slims down the thighs.

3) Tennis-
Another sport that requires some equipment. If your backside (rear-end) isn’t as
perky as it was ten or 20 years ago, you may want to head out to the court and start
swinging away. The dynamic action of chasing down balls and following through
serves engages the hamstrings and gluteus maximus (the rear-end)–two muscle
groups that work together to lift and shape the rear-end.
Another tip:
Alternate between hitting forehand and backhand swings. This increases your range of
motion and targets the shoulders and triceps to help streamline the shoulders and
firm the upper arms.

4) Football-
America’s favorite sport can also help you get your arms into incredible shape.
Gripping, throwing and catching a football works all of the muscles in the arms,
shoulders and upper back. And if your arms are carrying a bit of flab, then this
may be the ideal exercise for you.
Another tip:
As you throw the football, rotate your hips and torso toward your target along
with your arm. This will improve accuracy and power, plus engage the obliques
to carve out a sexy silhouette.

5) Soccer-
You may be a “soccer mom or dad” now that the kids are older, but if you want to
slim down your hips and thighs, it may be wise to get out the soccer ball and
kick it around the backyard for 30 to 60 minutes. Releasing a pass or shot engages
the quads, hamstrings and glutes to slim and tone the legs and hips.
Running up and down the field for 30 mins. burns 350 calories.
Another tip:
Kick the ball with the inside of your foot. This will engage the hard-to-reach inner
thighs to eliminate chub rub.

One last tip:
If you haven’t done any type of exercise in awhile, you may want to work your way
up before doing some of the above-mentioned exercises. And if you walk, dance or
do yoga, then the exercises may be easier for you.

Sources:
* Dalton Wong, Personal Trainer
* Denise Austin, Author and Exercise Enthusiast
* University of Miami, Research Dept.