With spring break ending and the promise of warmer weather, I know a lot of us are thinking about how we’ll be looking in shorts, tank tops — and eventually bathing suits — in just a few months. Some of us may regret the bi-weekly pint of Ben & Jerry's we've been eating since the Red Velvet Cake flavour came out. Some may be feeling that little extra pooch on their tummy every day and saying to themselves: "I really need to get rid of that." If you haven't been sticking to a dynamite workout regiment to avoid these moments of regret and semi-self-loathing, there's no better time to start than now with these satisfyingly difficult, washboard ab-carving core-strengthening exercises!

Disclaimer: Odyssey holds no liability for the effectiveness of these exercises. The determination, motivation and work ethic of the exerciser is the determining factor to achieving the idealized and desired six pack.

First: Cardio.

As much as you may not like it, always begin your workout with running at least a mile! I promise you, if you push yourself to hit that distance immediately (even if you are moving slowly — and literally dying) it will be worth it! You need to prime your muscles before getting a truly effective muscle-forming workout. Going for a run will burn the fat and make room for sculpting that tummy. Additionally, the more often you run, the easier it gets and the more like a boss you will feel.

That's right. Stick with this and your progress will move that much more quickly. One mile should be your baseline. After doing this workout a couple times, take a break after the one-mile marker then run another. Before you know it you'll be just like Forrest Gump: whenever you're going anywhere you'll be running.

For those who absolutely hate to run — or cannot because of injury — hop on the elliptical for 20 minutes or the bike for 30. Increase your distance and intensity the more often you exercise.

For a high-intensity stationary bike workout, try this 50-minute interval regimen: Start with pedaling for five minutes at level 12, then for one minute at 22. On the next level, bike for two and a half minutes at level 12, then two and a half minutes at level 11. Next, push for one minute at level 21 and two minutes at level 16. On the last segment, pedal for one minute at level 11 and one minute at level 12. When you've completed this, repeat the cycle until it has been 50 minutes!

Now that you're warmed up: Let's hit that core.

1. The crunch.

Keep it simple to start: put your hands behind your head to support the weight, but make sure not to pull your head forward and strain your neck. Focus on your core and lift your upper body high enough for the shoulder blades to leave the floor. You can put your legs at table-top for an additional challenge, or keep your feet on the floor. Breathe out as you lift and in as you go down. Do at least 20. 30 is the ideal number of repetitions you will eventually hit. If you can hit it now, do it.

2. Toe touches.

While you're down there: put your feet straight up in the air, with a slight bend in the knee if you need. Reach your hands up as far as you can to your toes. Again, be sure not to strain the neck. Do it 20 times, 30 being the eventual goal.

(Thanks for the demo, Cassey Ho, founder of the Blogilates YouTube channel and website!)

3. Leg lifts.

Now lower your legs straight out towards the ground but don't touch the ground. Arms should be flat on the ground by your side. Put your hands below your hips and butt for some additional support. These are the beloved leg lifts to affect the hard-to-reach lower abs. Keep those feet six inches above the ground. Lift them and lower them 15 times to start. You will do more and more each time you do this workout to eventually reach 30 reps.

4. Leg lift hold.

On your last leg lift, hold your feet at six inches above the ground, squeezing that core. Do this for at least 30 seconds. You will progress toward one minute with each workout.

5. Bridges.

Okay, put those feet down and bend your legs at the knees. Now you're going to bridge! Lift your hips off the ground, keeping your core super tight. This works not only your abs, but your hips and butt as well. A common misconception is that it is best to clench your butt cheeks, but I was recently taught that the best way to hit those deeper glute muscles is to focus more on your core and your butt muscles will work themselves from the engagement of muscles around them. Do this 20 times, again 30 being the eventual goal. Each time you lift, hold for 10 seconds.

(Like Nicki, but not quite as sexual).

6. Reverse crunch.

Now comes the reverse crunch to hit the lower abs once more. Lift those feet back up and as with the leg lifts, you can put your hands below your hips/ booty for support. Lift your entire lower half up from the feet to the waist. Feel it yet?! Do that 20 times, 30 again as the goal.

7. Plank.

Now get up off of your back! It's time for some planking! Raise yourself up on both elbows, making sure the elbows are directly below the shoulders. Keep your core and booty tight for this one, back flat and head on a level plane with the rest of your body. Hold for at least one minute. With each workout tack on another 15 seconds until you reach two minutes. Keep going for longer than that if you feel so inclined!

(Good form, good form.)

8. Side plank.

Take a quick break and turn on your side to hit those obliques. Go onto your forearm and push upwards to hold yourself in a stable position. Hold your core tight and lift the arm on your upper side straight up in the air. Hold for 30 seconds, take a short break and switch sides. As you do this more and more, progress to 45 seconds.

9. Bicycles.

Recline onto your back for the final floor exercise: bicycles! Put your hands behind your head and lift your legs in the air to a table-top position. Fully extend one leg, pointing the toe and bring one knee to your chest. Turn your upper body towards the leg that is closer to the chest. As you turn and switch legs, twist your upper body as well.

(Get it, Cassey.)

10. Wall Sits

Stand on up; you're almost done! This last exercise will target the whole body, but especially the quads and abs. Find a flat space of wall and slide your back against it until you're in a sitting position with your legs at 90 degrees. Keep your core tight. There should be a small space at the small of your back between yourself and the wall. Hold this position for one minute and 30 seconds. Add 15 seconds each time you do it.

(Besides his mightily chiseled shoulders and biceps, note how this gym-rat keeps his core tight as he sits on that air.)

Stretching:

Now that you've worked your bod, it's time to reward it with a nice relaxing stretch. This is one of the most fundamental parts of exercise so that you do not injure yourself doing anything to which your body is not accustomed!

(Don't be a potata-head.)

Once you finish your core workout, lay down flat on your belly and extend your arms in front of you to push yourself up and stretch out those wonderfully worked abdominal muscles. Those of us familiar with yoga will know this is called the cobra stretch.

Flip on your back and fold one leg across so your ankle rests on the other knee. Pull your legs towards your chest for the figure-four stretch for at least 30 seconds. Switch legs.

(Cassey again!)

Be sure to turn on each side and pull your foot behind yourself to stretch the quads; again: 30 seconds each.

Next, stand up and lunge one leg forward and sink down into a nice hip flexor stretch. Make sure to tuck your booty under so the stretch is hitting the hip and quad. Do not let your knee extend over your toe! Switch legs after 30 seconds to get an even stretch.

Congratulations! You have completed an awesome ab workout! Go forth and conquer the world!