5 Moves to Get You Summer Toned in 7 Minutes

For the Hips: Side Lunges

Moving laterally is the best way to achieve an enviable hourglass shape. Side lunges target the hard-to-reach inner- and outer thigh muscles, says Scott, plus the glutes, hamstrings and quads to tone the entire lower body. Bonus: You’ll also improve mobility in the hip and knee joints.

To Do: Hold an eight-pound weight in front of your chest. Take a large step to the side with your left foot and bend your knee, keeping your right leg straight and your knee behind your toes. Press off your left foot to return to standing. Do 15 reps, then switch sides.

For the Tush: Donkey Kicks

“Donkey kicks are the ultimate move for shaping a firm, round booty,” cheers Scott. They engage the hamstrings and gluteus maximus, especially the area where the tush meets the back of the thigh to lift and define the backside. The result: a bottom sure to wow in a swimsuit.

To Do: Come onto all fours. Place a three or five-pound weight behind your right knee, making a 90-degree angle with your leg. Without arching your back, lift your foot until your thigh is parallel to the ground, then lower back down. Do 15 reps, then switch sides.

For the Outer Thigh: Squat Jumps

Kicking your squats up a notch will help you slim and sculpt from hip to heel in record time, says Scott. The explosive movement calls on the calorie- hungry quads and hamstrings, melting fat from the thighs to reveal the lean, firm muscle underneath. Adds Scott, “Squat jumps rev your heart rate to boost metabolism.”

To Do: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat then explode up, thrusting your hips forward and swinging your arms down and back, then land back in a squat. Do 15 reps.

For the Inner Thighs: Sumo Squats

“A wider base brings the focus of this sculpting move to the inner thighs,” explains Scott, noting that you’re also engaging the hamstrings, quads and glutes to tone a sleek, sexy lower half.

To Do: Stand with your feet wider than your hips and your toes turned out to the sides. Hold one end of an 8-pound weight in front of you. Keeping your back tall, bend your knees to lower down as far as you can while keeping your heels on the ground, then return to standing. Do 15 reps.

For the Whole Lower Body and Back: Dead Lifts

“The deadlift strengthens the entire lower body, plus improves posture,” shares Scott. The reason: It calls on the hamstrings, quads, and glutes to slim the legs, plus the lower-back muscles to help you stand taller.

To Do: Stand with five-pound weights against your thighs and your knees slightly bent. Keeping your back straight and flat, bend at the waist and let the weights slide down your shins, maintaining only a slight bend in your legs, then return to standing. Do 15 reps.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.