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.

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Baring your butt on stage for all the audience to see is pretty powerful motivation. Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, had to reveal her rear during a scene in The Color Purple. She worked with a trainer to get her body in shape so that if anyone was shocked, they were shocked at how great she looked.

Williams kept up the workouts after her run in the play was over. Good thing, too ... I'm sure her fitness level will come in handy while performing songs from her new album, Unexpected. Besides the rigors of her performing schedule, Williams just plain feels proud of her physique. She says "I'll be brushing my teeth, see my arm in the mirror and think ... cool."

Even if your job isn't as revealing as Williams' (and I certainly hope it's not), you can take some tips from her workout. Her strength and toning routine uses resistance bands and dumbbells.

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The Obama family has a Christmas tradition of visiting the President-elect's home state of Hawaii. This year is no exception. And, while Barack Obama is ridiculously busy selecting cabinet members and preparing for his transition to the White House, I'm glad to see he's keeping a family tradition intact.

Daily Mail has a photo snapped of President-elect Obama while on vacation, and he's looking kind of ripped. Not surprising, really. We already knew how important fitness is to the Obama family. What is surprising is when you scroll down the Daily Mail article and see the photo of Barack Obama that was taken on his vacation last year.

When you compare his abs from 2007 to 2008, it appears that in the midst of his hectic and stressful campaign, Barack Obama has toned up. Whatever your opinion of our up and coming President is, you have to admit that's inspirational. If he can find the time to get more fit while campaigning to be President of the United States, than surely the rest of us can find time, too. And, as Barack Obama certainly knows, physical activity is the healthiest way to manage your stress level.

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No, no ... Drew Barrymore isn't chug-a-lugging at the bar every night. She got that out of her system at a very young age, sadly. This is a much healthier activity. Drew is a fan of the Bar Method.

The Bar Method, created by Burr Leonard, is a blend of Pilates, yoga and other exercises. The program is low-impact and helps to reduce body fat while toning muscles. Many of the exercises (here comes the "no duh" moment of the post) focus around bar work.

I think Drew Barrymore looks awesome; she's lean and toned without being skeletal like a few other celebs we know.

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Do you have an extra 20 minutes? I know, I know ... this is a crazy, busy time of year. But if you really look at your schedule, I'm sure you can find 20 spare minutes a couple days each week. Put that time to good use and try this great butt-sculpting workout.

You'll need a stability ball and three to five-pound dumbbells for some of the moves. Each exercise is designed to whip your glutes into perfect shape, but the moves have added bonuses of working other muscle groups such as shoulders and core muscles.

AOL Health has more butt-firming exercises to try. And this gallery features cardio butt tips.

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Hips are one of those weird body areas where you want a little curve, but not too much. With the right exercises, you can keep your hips toned and dead sexy. Shape magazine has three moves that target your hips. The moves all use some special equipment, so you might not be able to do them at home. But keep them in mind for your next visit to the gym.

• Side-lying leg lift. This move that works your outer hips uses an ankle cuff and a low-cable pulley.
• Machine squat. This variation on a squat, using a hip abductor machine, works your outer thighs.
• Standing side leg lift. A cuff and a low cable pulley are also used in this move that works your inner thighs and outer hips.

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We all have those problem areas, don't we? Spots that we'd really like to focus on, tone up, and strengthen. Women's Health has taken some of the guesswork out of the exercise selection process with this great tool.

First you choose which part of your body you'd like to focus on: Core, Upper, Lower, or Total. The system will then suggest 12-20 exercises that you can do. Click on each exercise to review -- the tool shows you the exercise in motion and gives instruction. When you decide you want to add one just click "add exercise." What's really nice is the system will automatically remove exercise choices that are similar to one you've already selected. That way, you can be sure you're getting a well-rounded workout.

For more fitness ideas, visit AOL Health.

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I used to have legs that would stay fit and toned without much specific input from me. Sure they got their workout with cardio and other exercises, but I never did specific strength and toning exercises for my legs. My calves are still hanging tough for me, but the thighs ... well, they're not so agreeable. My thighs seem to be saying "You're in your late 30's and this joke's on you!"

So my thighs have been a target area of sorts for me. It may take some effort, but I'll show them who's boss. I found this series of 10 thigh exercises on Fitness Magazine and it's a good one. It's a good variety of squats, lunges, balance moves, and other exercises. All in all, my thighs are aching from the workout and I can't wait to see the results after including this in my workout routine for a few weeks.

AOL Health has more leg exercises for you to try.

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The lower back is an important stabilizing muscle group that's called upon during many other exercises (not to mention simply keeping you standing upright). But, it doesn't exactly rank high in terms of areas we think about toning and firming. This is unfortunate, as a failure to work your lower back can lead to muscular imbalance and injury.

To help prevent this from happening, try implementing at least one of the following exercises (clicking on each will bring you to a video demonstration) into your resistance training workouts:

• Hyperextensions
• Supermans
• Deadlifts
• Good Mornings
• Seated Row

Be sure to use extra care when performing lower back exercises. As you may have found out in the past while lifting a heavy box or piece of furniture, if you do not use proper form, it may result in a pulled muscle or even a slipped disc.

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Want to make your gluteus a little less maximus? Four simple exercises are the key to toning and firming your backside.

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I have a pretty good cardio routine that I like and never seem to tire of, but I'm always on the lookout for new toning and strengthening exercises to try. I'm quickly heading toward 36 (gah!) -- a number that's officially, undeniably, can't-fight-it-any-longer, my later 30's. So toning up and keeping fit is more important than ever to me.

Fitness Magazine share five flab-fighting moves. Using only a beach towel (or large bath towel) and a decent amount of balance, you can tone and strengthen your arms, core, and legs in this quick and fun 15-minute workout. I tried it out this morning and really enjoyed it. Give it a shot!

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One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "how do I get in shape quickly?" Well ... I'm sure as you read that question you might have thought ... impossible! Yeah, kinda. But, there are some things that will get you in shape quicker than others. The key is to challenge yourself, work most areas of your body, and make sure you do both cardiovascular and strength training. These are my favorite five moves that I believe will have the greatest impact on your fitness level, and help you see results sooner rather than later.

Check out the Summer Slimdown Guide -- it's loaded with tips to help you make the best of this summer and that fine body you're living in!

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When you're known for little else than being Paris Hilton's former sidekick, you've got to distinguish yourself from the socialite somehow, right? Kim Kardashian has done that a few ways -- with a sex tape, a reality show and now a nude spread in Playboy.

How did she buff up for the shoot? The Fit List recently revealed her workout secrets. Kim looked pretty good before -- she walks lots and uses her Elliptical trainer every day -- but in addition, she toned up with these exercises:

• Lunges
• Sit-down squats
• Arm and leg opposition
• Push-ups
• Tricep dips

Yep, if you do enough of those, they'll get you toned up enough for a nude shoot.

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This week, I'm going to talk about something controversial: Butts. Everyone has one, and they vary from person to person -- some are small, some are large, some are extra, extra large. Some are flat, some are round and ... well, you get the picture. And when it comes to butts, some think that bigger is better (Sir Mixalot is one obvious example) -- some even get butt implants to fill out their derriere. Me, I don't know if I'm in the 'bigger is better' school of thought, but I do think that a toned bum is the way to go.

So, in honour of making your backside look as good as it possibly can in that Christmas dress, here are a few ways to shape up your tush.

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I'm so much happier with my body now than I was six months ago. A cleaner diet and a more rigorous exercise schedule have helped me whittle away 15 pounds or more, 10 of which I'm blaming on years of cancer treatment. I feel lighter, tighter, and more confident than ever before. Still, there's nothing perfect about my current physique.

For four years now, I've managed to hang on to a handful of post-pregnancy loose tummy skin. It seems no matter what I do to tone my body, this skin -- and its accompanying stretch marks -- just stays put. So does the jiggling skin that covers my quad muscles -- I never even knew it was there until I sprinted on the beach recently. Boy, did that skin flap in the wind!

I don't have ripped muscles, can't brag about a six-pack, and would never be mistaken for an elite athlete. That's just the way it is. And I don't see things changing anytime soon. You see, I'm a stay-at-home mom with two little boys who just don't allow me to focus much on myself -- I'm lucky to get 45 minutes of solid exercise each day. And I'm not wealthy. So I can't afford a personal cook or a full-time trainer. I just can't devote my days or my funds to the overly ambitious pursuit of physical fitness. I must face the facts, then: I am doing what I can, and this may be as good as it gets.