6 Green Exercises to Get Your Stomach Bikini-Worthy (Without Doing Sit-ups)

When it comes to bikinis, what's your main area of concern (aside from the bikini being an organic bikini)? If you're the average woman (or man for that matter), it's likely your stomach. This season, instead of depending on electricity-sucking cardio and resistance machines at the gym, do a green exercise routine and get a just-as-good ab workout by staying home and exercising green. After all, why waste the earth's energy when using your own burns more calories and makes you get fit faster?

Yes, the sun is piping hot and you can't hide under a sweater any more. But before you strip down to your skivvies, it's probably a good idea that you spend a few minutes a day tending to your soon-to-be best assets?your abs. Great thing is, you don't have to hit the gym, lift a weight, or even do a sit-up to have a head-turning tummy. We have come up with a standing and laying down ab workout that (when combined with diet and green cardio like running are sure to make your abs bikini-worthy.

But before you start flexing those muscles, it's important that you understand a few belly basics...

Your abdominals are actually a long sheet of muscle that starts right below your chest and ends a few inches below your belly button. More than looking good (or not) in a swimsuit, your abs support your back and help your posture. They also contribute to a strong lower back and in-line spine. But the honest truth about abs is that no matter how many exercises you do, you will not attain a flat tummy unless you remove the layer of fat on top of it. How? Cardio and Diet! A vegan or vegetarian diet is a great way to lose weight) and reduce your carbon footprint.

Your obliques are muscles that run diagonally down the sides of your abdominal. They are the enablers of the twisting motion. They also work with the other abdominal and back muscles to support your spine.

Abdominal Myth:

There is no such thing as "lower abs" or "upper abs." You may focus on specific portions of the abdominals, but the entire muscle is worked during abdominal exercises.

So let's get moving!

According to Richard Giorla, founder of Cardio Barre and Author of "Rasie the Barre; Introducing Cardio Barre—The Revolutionary 8-Week Program for Total Mind/Body Transformation," it's possible to do a sit-up without ever laying down. In fact, standing sit-ups can be even more effective if you do them right! Here's what Richard suggests: