Thanks to the return of skin-baring trends like the crop top, the desire for killer abs is no longer dependent upon whether you're hitting the pool in a bikini or not. Yep, abs are back in a big way. Simone De La Rue, celebrity trainer (she works with stars like Anne Hathaway and Camila Alves McConaughey) and founder and creator of Body by Simone, is here to help us achieve the toned tummy of our dreams through her book Body by Simone: The 8-Week Total Body Makeover Plan.

Image via Imaxtree

The Move: Total Side Shaper I

As the name implies, this move shapes your sides while also trimming your waistline and strengthening your obliques (to help get rid of pesky love handles).

Bonus zones: Outer thighs and glutes

"Position yourself on your side with your hips stacked. Bend your bottom leg and tuck that heel behind you. Place your bottom elbow on the floor, beneath your shoulder.

Extend your top leg so it's straight and parallel to the floor, with your foot flexed (image A). Bend your knee and bring it toward your chest, keeping it parallel to the ground (image B). Extend it back to the start to complete one repetition. Roll over to your other side to repeat with the opposite leg. Do 8-15 reps, each leg."

The Move: Total Side Shaper II

Take the first movement to the next level by adding a Pilates ball and a few extra reps. You have to really engage the entire side of your body to hold the ball, which helps firm the hips and obliques.

Bonus zones: Outer thighs and glutes

"Position yourself on your side with your hips stacked. Bend your bottom leg and tuck that heel behind you. Place your bottom elbow on the floor, beneath your shoulder.

Squeeze the Pilates ball between the heel and glute of your top leg (image A). Bring your knee in toward your chest, keeping your leg parallel to the floor. Swing your leg slowly back through the start and to the rear, squeezing your glute without arching your back (image B). Continue to move back and forth in a large arc through the air, maintaining an even pace. Roll over onto your other side and repeat with your opposite leg. Do 10-15 reps, each leg."

The Move: Single Towel Slider

Similar to a mountain climber, this move strengthens your core (all of the muscles that make up your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen). Because you use these muscles for nearly all of your everyday activities, a strong core makes life a lot easier. On a less utilitarian note, this move also helps sculpt a super-sexy six-pack.

Bonus zones: Lower back, glutes, chest and hamstrings

"Get into the tabletop position with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Extend your legs behind you, keeping your back straight, your abs tight and your head neutral.

Place a small hand towel underneath your toes (image A). Bend your knee and draw it underneath you toward your chest, sliding the towel along the floor (image B). Extend your leg back to position one to complete one repetition. Switch legs and repeat. Do 5-10 reps, each leg."

The Move: One Arm Pull and Twist

You need a resistance band to really engage your abs. Each time, see if you can twist a little further.

Bonus zone: Middle back

"Anchor a band at shoulder height and take both ends in your right hand. Face the anchor, then take a large step away to create tension in the band. Extend your arm straight out from your shoulder, parallel to the floor (image A). Pull the band toward your chest by driving your right elbow back and squeezing your shoulder blade behind you (image B). Hold there and turn your shoulders to the right, twisting your waist as you turn (image C). Return to position one to complete one repetition. Switch arms and repeat. Do 15-20 reps, each side."