It's so nice to finally see the sun shining.  It reminds us that summer is just around the corner and that our holidays are not so far away at all.

What we need to do however, is some work on losing the belly fat and getting that flat stomach.

Below is a quick routine for toning up your abdominals and showing off your flat tummy which is buried somewhere under those fat stores you laid down over the winter months!

Firstly, however, is little advice regarding a healthy diet and fat burning exercises.

It doesn't matter how many abdominal exercises you do, if you don't eat right, you won't shift the layer of fat on top of your abdominal muscles.   Eat small, regular meals consisting of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein to keep your energy levels up.  Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol.

Cardio exercises such as running, cycling and power walking performed at least three times a week for at least 20-30 minutes will burn fat and therefore expose the lean muscle underneath.  Try training for a 5km run - the distance isn't daunting but the training involved will get you burning fat.  Interval training is even better at burning fat as it causes your metabolism to spike so that you continue to burn calories for up to 24 hours after exercising.

The Flat Tummy Routine

You will need a 65cm exercise ball and an exercise/floor mat.

• 1 x set of 20- 30 crunches (using an exercise ball is optional but will help support your back - place the exercise ball under your bent knees, resting your calves on top)
  
• 1 x set of 20-30 lying leg curls with an exercise ball
• 1 x set of 20-30 lying knee tucks
• 1 x set of 20-30 lying leg extensions with an exercise ball
  
• The Plank, hold for 1 minute (increase time as you get stronger)
  

Rest for 30 seconds to 1 minute after you first circuit.  Repeat circuit two to three times.

As your abdominal strength grows, you can increase the amount of reps, sets and circuits.

Ideally, you should allow yourself 4-6 weeks doing this routine prior to your holiday.