by Hope Darby

Created on: August 08, 2008

It's summertime, and for many of us that means one terrifying thing: people will see our bellies on the beach! Even if you aren't one to strut in a bikini or micro-sized tank top, chances are you would still like to have a sexy, flat tummy. Unfortunately, our abdominals are the most difficult muscles to sculpt. While we cannot "spot reduce" our flabby middles away, we can help shape and tone the muscles. And lucky for you, I'm here to tell you how to do it at home, so you can skip that expensive gym membership and save your pennies for that sexy belly-baring bathing suit you've been eyeing for weeks.

There are several belly-blasting exercises that you must add to your at-home workout routine immediately. So listen up! Belly School is now in session.

"The Bicycle Crunch"

You know this exercise. You've likely done it since grade-school gym class. It has stood the test of time and come out on the top of most "must do" abdominal exercise lists. To perform this exercise properly you:

1. Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. Tuck your belly button back toward your lower back, and keep your pelvis tipped forward.

2. Put your hands beside your head, letting your fingertips lightly brush the backs of your ears. Be very careful not to pull on your head, and pretend you have an orange tucked under your chin. Never scrunch your neck.

3. Bring your knees up to about a 45-degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle pedal motion, extending your left leg away while bringing your right knee toward your face.

4. Lift your torso, touching your left elbow to your right knee. Bicycle your legs, extending your right and bringing your left in, and then touch your right elbow to your left knee.

Remember to breathe evenly throughout the exercise, inhaling with one move, exhaling with the next.

"Vertical Leg Crunch"

This move is great for both your upper and lower abs. It requires very small, tight movements, and excellent form.

1. Lie on your back and extend the legs up with knees slightly bent and toes toward the sky.

2. Contract your abs, again tucking your belly button toward your spine, and lift your upper body until your shoulder blades leave the floor.

3. Remember to keep that invisible orange under your chin; don't pull on your neck.

4. Lift your torso toward your knees.

5. Lower and repeat for 12-16 reps.

Be sure to focus on your breathing: exhale as you contract your stomach muscles, inhale as you release and lower.

"Reverse Crunch"

Much like the vertical leg crunch,

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