Whether you're flying south for Spring Break or just determined to battle the bulge before the heavy winter sweaters come off, tackling the extra weight around your waist should start now.

Don't worry, endless crunches aren't the answer. Though ab and core exercises certainly will tone tummy muscles buried deep under that layer of fat, there are smarter ways that will help you reach your goal by beach time -- like one of these four simple steps to a slimmer waist.

Those steps: adding intervals training to your workout to burn fat, eating five to six small meals a day and cutting out alcohol (hey, it worked for Nick Carter). Finally, you just need to relax. Holding in that tummy might make it seem flatter, but it makes belly breathing harder, which can wear you out.

Finally, when you are ready to tone, try this killer ab workout from Fitz.