Every personal trainer at some point during the year is going to hear about how a client needs to look good in a swimsuit. Usually this happens around spring time, or prior to a vacation that involves a beach and/or swimming pool.

Looking hot in a bathing suit is hard work. I’m just going to break that to you right up front. We’re talking about making good nutritional choices, and working that body hard. Of course, choosing the right suit to maximize your beach look is important too.

Follow These Tips on How to Tone Your Booty

Typically there are three target areas that women want to focus on. These are the belly, the arms, and the rump. Today we’re going to focus on that last one – the derriere.

Do you have a flat butt, and want a little junk in the trunk? Maybe you’ve got too much pa dunk-a-dunk and want to tone it down a tad. It’s all good. I’m here to help.

There are quite a few exercises that you can do to help in this area. To be honest, you only need three. Yep, I said three.

1. Squats
These are the daddy of all leg and butt exercises. Whether done with or without weights, these little guys right here are the key to success. In fact, if you were only going to do one exercise for you backside, these are it.

The basic squat is done with your feet about shoulder width apart, pointing straight ahead. You may find it better to point your toes out slightly. That’s okay, just don’t go too far. Keep your head pointed straight ahead, and your back straight (note I didn’t say vertical), bend your knees and squat down so that your thighs are parallel to the ground. If your knees are okay with it, you can go down farther. Once you’ve bottomed out, stand back up while keeping your form.

Congratulations, you just completed a squat. You can attack these with your feet at different distances from each other in order to target the area from different angles.

To use weights or not? Here’s the thing, doing squats with your bodyweight is good. You’re going to want to increase the number of repetitions (reps), say 15-20 per set. Get this though; adding weight by using dumbbells, or better yet a barbell (if you have access to these) is even better. Adding weights will build muscle, which is what we want. Muscle will firm up the area, and that is the goal that you’re after. Plus, muscle is sexy. Period. Don’t be afraid to go heavy. Just be sure to decrease the number of reps per set. Depending on how heavy you go, 5-8 reps are perfect.

2. Step-ups
Here’s the deal, you need something sturdy for this one. Grab a solid chair, a wooden box, etc. Just make sure that it won’t collapse, tip, fold, or roll away.

Feet together, lift one leg up, place your foot on the chair (or whatever), step up with the other foot, and step down with the first foot. Repeat this in the same order for 10 reps. Then switch legs and repeat. That’s one set. Give me three total. Too easy for you? Grab a set of dumbbells.

3. Lunges
Feet together, hands on your hips, or behind the neck. Take one step forward, toes pointing forward, and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground. Your back knee should not touch, let alone smash into the ground. Step back into the starting position, and repeat for 10 reps on each side for 3 sets.

One variation that you can alternate with is to do reverse lunges. Do this by stepping back, as opposed to stepping forward. Once again, grab a set of dumbbells for some additional fun.

There you have it – The three exercises that are guaranteed to build you one sexy butt.

Todd Boyer writes to motivate people about exercise and nutrition at PhitZone. To receive a complimentary workout, be sure to get their newsletter.

Pear shaped ladies often have difficulty finding a swimsuit that flatters their fuller lower bodies without making their upper half disappear. Luckily, there are several swimsuit styles that will work for this body type!

1. Fold-Over Bikini Bottoms
To flatter your lower half, look for a bikini with a dark, solid-colored bottom. Try a fold-over style bottom with an adjustable waistband. This will help cover your bottom half while letting you adjust the fit for the most figure flattering look ever!

Summer Stripe Fold-Over Bottom

2. Skirted Bottoms
Suits with skirted bottoms are perfect for pear shaped women, particularly if they’re done in a dark solid color. They help cover up your wider areas while still looking super stylish. Plus, you have a lot of options with this type of suit; be it a sleek, sexy skirt or a swingier, asymmetrical style.

Tricolore by Gottex Profile

3. Two-Tone
To draw the eye upwards, choose a suit that reflects a dark color on bottom with a print or brighter color up top. This ensures that your top half is the center of attention, while keeping your lower body covered. Plus, a darker bottom will fool the eye into thinking you’re slimmer all around.

Tesserae Taylor by L SPACE

4. Bandeaus
Whether in a one piece or bikini, choosing a bandeau style swimsuit works well for pear shapes because it attracts attention upwards. In a one piece, look for ruching near the tummy and a skirted waist; in a bikini, simply choose a bandeau style with a full coverage bottom.

Vintage Band by ViX

To read more about swimwear trends or other fashion and beauty related articles, please visit TheFashionableHousewife.com.

Denise Shively is the Beauty Editor for TheFashionableHousewife.com, a blog dedicated to sharing budget-friendly fashion and beauty tips for busy women everywhere.

Kristin Cavallari in ViX (As Seen in People Mag)

Once again, Kristin Cavallari was spotted looking like a real vixen in ViX Swimwear!  In a June 2011 issue of People Magazine, the Dancing With The Stars contestant and former hottie of The Hills discussed bikinis, her body and her secrets for keeping that slim figure.

The editors at People Magazine put together a “Bikini Confessions” spread for the June issue, featuring Kristin Cavallari, Serena Williams and Paris Hilton.  The three lovely ladies talked about facing their body bullies and how they survive the photo-hungry paparazzi while in their bikinis.  For the photo shoot, the gorgeous Kristin Cavallari wore the Bia Yellow halter top and paired it with the Nero Ripple tie-side bottom in yellow, both from ViX Swimwear.  When talking about her weekly workout routine, Kristin

Bia Yellow (As seen on Kristin Cavallari)

 told People Magazine that she generally combines cardio with sessions with her personal trainer, and even cutting out her alcohol intake because she tends to eat what ever she wants when she’s hungover—now that’s dedication!  In terms of her bikini style, Kristin Cavallari said that she always goes for string bikini bottoms because not only do they give her petite non-curvy figure more shape, but they also make her little booty look bigger!

This isn’t the first time that we’ve spotted Kristin Cavallari in ViX Swimwear; she was spotted in both the best-selling Royale and Bia Pink bikinis awhile back.  We think Kristin Cavallari looks amazing in anything she puts on, including the sunny yellow Bia bikini from ViX Swimwear!  What do you think?

Serena Williams: Bikini Do or Don't?

It’s time for another edition of Bikini DO or DON’T!  This time we’ve got tennis pro Serena Williams in L SPACE Swimwear!  It’s not the first time we’ve seen the star athlete showing off her bikini bod, but this time she was featured in People Magazine’s annual “Most Amazing Bodies” issue.  Without a doubt, it’s definitely an honor to be featured in the spread, but do you think Serena chose the right swimsuit to show off her athletic bod?

In the issue, Serena Williams wore the Sexy Back Top and JT Bottom by L SPACE Swimwear.  The coral hue looked awesome on her complexion, as did the top.  But we think she should’ve chosen a different style bottom for her curvy athletic figure.  If you’re curvy like Serena Williams, you should opt for bottoms with thicker sides, as string bottoms make your hips appear wider.  We think a style like the Claire Tab Bottom from L SPACE would’ve suited her better.  Rule of thumb for curvy ladies: stay away from bottoms that are too thin or too thick on the sides.

How do you think Serena Williams looks in this L SPACE Swimwear combo?  Bikini DO or Bikini DON’T!?

Examples of Proper & Improper Fit... Be a Bikini DO!

Bathing suits … well they are an interesting wardrobe item.  You are as exposed as it’s going to get on the beach or pool, so you want to feel comfortable and confident. You might not be a celebrity or a Sports Illustrated model, and you probably don’t have a personal stylist, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t sport a comfortable, sexy and confident beach look.

Here are some tips to get you beach confidence-proof ready:

Have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror, liking the fit of the swimsuit, just to find that you are not comfortable with how much booty you were revealing? So your next step was to ask the sales person for a larger size, thinking larger would mean more back coverage.  This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Larger will mean just that, a larger size of the same cut and style. If you don’t like the Brazilian or the cheeky back bottom, try a style that is cut full and will provide more coverage for your ‘derrière’.

You happen to be one of those lucky gals, with a full size bust, but you’re not so lucky when it comes to picking out swimsuit tops. Be open to trying styles other than the traditional underwire tops. A good halter-top with a thicker under bust strap will act as an underwire and provide plenty of coverage.  A top with adjustable thicker straps – like the Goddess Athena Tankini Top by Seafolly – works extra well for cup sizes D and larger. If you want to stick to a bikini, try the Horizon Stripe by Seafolly. If you’re daring you can try a bandeau top, but look for ones with straps in the center that can add additional support and a good closure in the back, so the top does not slide (ride up and down) on your back. 

Lastly, make sure you are wearing the correct size.  Most swimwear is made from about 15% – 20% Lycra, which means the fabric will stretch.  You want the swimsuit to be snug, but not to dig in.  If you have what I call “fabric wave” or gathering at the edges of your booty then the bottom is too big.  For the tops make sure the fabric covers enough on both sides of your bust and the string, band, or underwire, fall directly below your bust line.

What are your biggest bikini woes?

Audrina Patridge in the "Lola" bikini by Pily Q

She’s at it again…a bikini clad Audrina Patridge was spotted on the sunny beaches of Los Cabos, Mexico sporting one of the hottest numbers from the new Pily Q swimwear line!

Growing up in Orange County, California, we know Audrina is no stranger to a beach or a bikini! I feel like it is everyday I see a different photo of Audrina in a bikini and according to her interview with Shape Magazine, that is a pretty likely case.  The magazine’s July cover-girl confesses that she tries to get to the beach everyday – lucky her huh?  She explains the beach brings sanity to her life and that “it’s a perfect place to be alone with your own thoughts.”  Well my thoughts are that Audrina is a stunning 10 in a bikini and now we know why.  Here’s a sneak peek at some of Audrina’s pre-beach stay fit tips and confidence boosters:

"Lola" by Pily Q

1. Make sure you are wearing the right swimsuit style for your body.  What works on someone else’s body might not be right for you
2. Be comfortable and confident.  Patridge suggests “walking around your house in your swimsuit until it feels like second skin”
3. Protect your skin from the harsh rays and wear sunscreen.  Most of Audrina’s gorgeous glow is a faux sunless tan
4. Give your body a quick work-out boost of squats, crunches and lunges to get the blood flowing to those areas!  Audrina explains it makes her feel “tighter and stronger, and gives her skin a nice rosy glow”

 
The Pily Q Lola has a colorful watercolor-inspired floral print and is one my favorite of many bikini looks for Audrina!  Want to get the same look with a little edge?  Try the Lola Mix, which features an alluring ruffled leopard print trim!

Check out our Polyvore sets!

I am a true beach gal at heart. I love the serenity of the ocean, the cool summer breeze and the longer lazy days. However, It is essential to have all the right accessories for the day. Here is what is currently inside my beach bag:

1. I like a medium to large size tote that either zips up or has some type of closure at the top to keep the sand away from everything that’s inside. The Seafolly beach bag is just the right size, has a small pocket inside for some cash and your phone, but also the nautical stripes will be a perfect complement to any beach ensemble.

2. A Kindle – there is nothing like relaxing at the beach with a good read.

3. Don’t forget about protection for your locks. A floppy hat is not only practical but stylish as well. The Jemima hat by Melissa Odabash adds some flair with the belt detail.

4. I cant live without my Oliver Peoples shades. They are light, trendy and provide protection.

5. Jumpsuits are the It cover-ups of the season. This 100% cotton bandeau romper by Seafolly will keep you cool and covered.

6. The YSL Gloss Pur lip gloss in #4 is just the right hue of pink for the summer. Its more vibrant in the tube and when applied gives a nice shimmer with just a hint of color. It’s not overly sticky and has a fruity scent to it.

7. Don’t forget to lather on and repeat with sun protection.  Natural and protected skin is in!

8. And talking about protection for your skin, don’t forget about your pout. To keep your lips nourished and hydrated try Burt’s Bees Lip balm with pomegranate oil. It lathers on creamy, has a tasty pomegranate scent, and some varieties even come with SPF protection.

9. The Tkees leather flip-flops are timeless and my newest obsession for the summer. I mostly love their simplicity. Trove Tkees are made in Brazil out of soft leather, and have tons of colors to choose from.  The foundation colors are my favorite; the Sunkissed color matched me perfectly.  No wonder their slogan is “cosmetics for your feet”.  Did I mention they are super comfortable, match everything and at $44 you don’t have to feel guilty picking up more then one pair.

Don't forget to bring at least 2 chic swimsuits!

For all those East Coasters who are craving a beach vacay, Atlantic City is the place to be!  Not only does AC have great shopping, restaurants, concerts, and of course, gambling, but by day you can lounge by the beach!  Don’t get me wrong, the beach is nothing like the crystal clear Caribbean, but it’s good for quick weekend getaways!  Here’s our list of what to pack for an Atlantic City getaway:

1. At least 2 swimsuits and 2 cover-ups (you’ll need an outfit while the other is in the wash or drying)
2. Your hat of choice to help protect your face from the blazing hot sun (think fedora, floppy hat, or cowboy hat)
3. Flip-flops for the beach/pool (think Havaianas, Melissa Shoes or Tkees)
4. Roomy beach bag with all your essentials (sunscreen, music, reading material, sunglasses, water, etc.)
5. Clothes, shoes, bags and accessories for your nighttime Atlantic City activities!

Marg Helgenberger in the Pisa bikini by Melissa Odabash

SPOTTED: Marg Helgenberger in a little black bikini by Melissa Odabash Swimwear!  Although she’s been in a number of films, the radiant redhead is most famous for her role as Catherine Willows on the hit TV series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. 

During the winter holidays, Marg Helgenberger was vacationing in St. Barts with friends and family.  She donned the Pisa two-piece by Melissa Odabash in black, and at 52 years old, she proves she’s still a bikini bombshell!

One of the most common questions we get is: What color swimsuits work best for red heads?  As Marg shows us, the little black bikini is definitely a safe choice for women with all different hair colors and skin tones.  Congrats to Marg Helgenberger for making our list of celebrity bikini DOs in Melissa Odabash Swimwear!

Bonaroo Style: The Maxi

Bonaroo look #1 (from left to right):
1. ViX “Sunset Jersey” Dress, “Ultra Gold” by San Diego Hat Co. & “Sunkissed” Tkees
2. Vitamin A “Lola Dress,” “Ultra Braid” by San Diego Hat Co. & “Flower” Melissa Shoes
3. Debbie Katz “Denim Dress,” “Ribbon White” by San Diego Hat Co. & “Spirit White” Havaianas

Bonaroo Style: Short, Sweet & Chic

Bonaroo look #2 (from left to right):
1. L*SPACE “Fringe Nude” Monokini, OndadeMar “Crochet” Shorts, “Ultra Braid” by San Diego Hat Co. & “Cocoa Butter” Tkees
2. Pily Q “Peek-A-Boo Dress,” “Ultra Black” by San Diego Hat Co. & “Cute Black” Melissa Shoes
3. L*SPACE “Callisto” Jumper, “Ribbon White” by San Diego Hat Co. & “Turkish White” Havaianas

What would you rock to Bonaroo?