summer is knocking at the door, and you know what that means. It’s time to slide into those swimsuits, put on your cutest tank tops, and rock those Daisy Dukes like the showstopper you are. But if you’re feeling a little less Beyoncé and a little more hibernating bear post-winter binge, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with the ultimate exercise guide to get you toned, strong, and ready to own this summer like it’s 1999 (or whatever year you peaked in sass).

Don’t sweat it (well, actually, do sweat it)—this isn’t about crunching until you cry or feeling like you have to look a certain way. It’s about helping you feel bomb, inside and out, while getting those endorphins flowing. Whether you’re flexing at the gym or working out in your living room, these exercises have your back...and glutes...and abs.

1. Cardio That Doesn’t Bore You to Tears

First things first, we’re talking cardio. Before you groan and roll your eyes, hear me out. Cardio doesn’t have to mean endless hours on a treadmill staring at gym TV reruns of cooking shows. Nope, we’re ditching the boredom for moves that actually make your heart say, “Yes, we’re alive!”

Try These Fun Cardio Boosters:

  • Dance It Out: Ever tried dancing like no one’s watching? Turns out, it’s not just a saying; it’s a killer workout. Put on your favorite playlist and get grooving. Bonus points for incorporating some TikTok-worthy moves.
  • Hip-Hop HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is chef’s kiss for cardio lovers who hate the idea of slow jogs. Try cycles of burpees, squat jumps, and mountain climbers for 20 seconds each, with 10 seconds of rest in between. (Yes, it’s hard. No, you won’t regret it.)
  • Skipping Rope: Channel your inner kid and grab that jump rope. Not only will you relive your playground glory days, but you’ll also torch calories fast.

Cardio Tip for Sass Queens: If running isn’t your thing, don’t force it. Life’s too short for workouts you loathe. Choose something that makes your heart race and sparks a little joy.

2. Tummy Tighteners

Listen, abs are made in the kitchen (hello, clean eating), but they’re sculpted in the gym or on your living room floor. And here’s the truth, babe: core work isn’t just about looking good in crop tops. A strong core will help with literally everything else, from posture to avoiding weird back pain when you pick up groceries.

Core Moves You’ll Actually Want to Do

  • Plank, but Make It Fancy: Regular planks are cool, but side planks? Even cooler. Add a little hip dip for that extra spice. Hello, obliques!
  • Bicycle Crunches: Lay down, hands behind your head, and cycle those legs like you’re pedaling away from all the people trying to ruin your summer vibes.
  • Russian Twists: Grab a weight, or honestly, a heavy water bottle, and twist side to side while sitting in a “V” position. Feel that burn? That’s your summer glow-up calling.

Core Sassy Tip: You don’t need endless sit-ups. Mix and match these moves for a killer 10-minute ab session that’ll have your core whispering, “I’m strong, baby.”

3. Booty (and Legs) for Days

Short shorts season is upon us, so it’s time to squat like you’re picking up an imaginary bag of money off the floor. Not only will these exercises give you a peach that makes a statement, but they’ll also make stairs your new best friend instead of your sworn enemy.

Lower-Body Exercises Worth the Hype:

  • Squats: Bodyweight? Goblet? Bulgarian? The world (well, your legs and glutes) is your oyster.
  • Lunges: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, or walking lunges will leave you questioning your choices—but in the best way possible.
  • Glute Bridges: Lay on your back, press your hips up to the ceiling, and squeeze at the top like you’re trying to crack a walnut back there. Thank me later.

Sassy Lower-Body Tip: Don’t shy away from lifting heavier if you’re gym-bound. More weight = better booty gains. Trust me, you’ve got this.

4. Arm Candy for Summer Tanks

Don’t think I forgot about those arms. (Ever seen someone confidently rocking a sleeveless sundress? That can be YOU.) Toning your arms doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly “bulk up,” so breathe easy and grab those dumbbells, babe.

Easy But Effective Arm Moves:

  • Push-Ups: The ultimate classic. Too hard? Drop to your knees until you’re serving full-plank push-up realness.
  • Tricep Dips: Find a sturdy chair or bench, and use your body weight to tone the back of your arms. Because honestly, no one wants flappy wings when they’re waving at the beach.
  • Bicep Curls: Dumbbells, resistance bands, or soup cans all work. Flex those biceps like you’re waving goodbye to boring workouts.

Arm Workout Sass Tip: Focus on form! Quality over quantity will get your arms from “meh” to “yassss” faster than you can say “flex appeal.”

5. Full-Body Powerhouses

If you’re ready to level up, full-body exercises will give you the biggest bang for your buck. These moves torch calories, build strength, and make you feel like a superhero when you crush them.

Full-Body Moves to Rock:

  • Burpees: Yes, everyone hates them, but they work. Plus, the feeling after finishing a set? Absolutely unbeatable.
  • Deadlifts: A gym classic for a reason, deadlifts engage your entire lower body and core. Start light and work your way up to boss mode.
  • Kettlebell Swings: Build power, get that heart rate up, and feel like a fitness MVP all in one move.

Full-Body Tip for the Fierce and Fabulous: These moves are no joke, but they’ll leave you sweating like you’ve just conquered Mount Olympus (with killer results to show for it).

6. Stay Consistent Like the Badass You Are

What good are all these exercises if you can’t keep at them? Consistency is your golden ticket to summer confidence. Here are some sassy (but real) tips to help you show up for yourself on the reg:

  • Schedule It: Treat your workouts like your dates with Pedro Pascal or Zendaya. Non-negotiable.
  • Buddy Up: Everything’s more fun with a partner. Plus, you’re less likely to skip a workout when someone’s counting on you to show up.
  • Celebrate the Wins: Did an extra rep today? Finally nailed that side plank? Celebrate it. (Maybe even throw on a celebratory face mask to match your glowing gym vibes.)
  • Play Dress-Up: Cute workout gear can be the motivation you didn’t know you needed. When you look good, you feel unstoppable.