Kettlebell exercises are more efficient than regular dumbbells -- because of their shape, the weight isn't balanced evenly and you'll have to concentrate and control the weight more as you lift and lower. According to Lorna Kleidman, Three-Time International Kettlebell Sport Champion, mentor, and author, kettlebell training delivers a "triple threat: cardio, strength, and endurance." Try her quick 10-minute exercise to give you toned arms and an all-around body workout:

KettleX Double Arm Swing Ladder

You'll be interspersing kettlebell swings (swinging the bell from the ground out in front of you to shoulder height and back again) with basic workout steps.

Step 1: 30 seconds of swings and 15 seconds of pushups

Step 2: 40 seconds of swings and 20 seconds of mountain climbers (Mountain climbers for the uninitiated: Start in plank position, bring your right foot forward and leave your left foot extended back. With your hands firmly on the ground, jump and switch leg positions. Repeat rapidly to create a running motion.)

Step 3: 50 seconds of swings and 25 seconds of burpees (For burpees: Start in a standing position, then drop into a squat with your hands on the ground. Jump your feet back into a plank position, and then return to the squat position in one quick motion. Finish by standing up. Repeat rapidly.)

Step 4: 60 seconds of swings and 30 seconds of low jumping jacks

Step 5: Repeat 60 seconds of swings and 30 seconds of low jumping jacks

Step 6: 50 seconds of swings and 25 seconds of burpees

Step 7: 40 seconds of swings and 20 seconds of mountain climbers

Step 8: 30 seconds of swings and 15 seconds of pushups

Pilates is a great workout for strengthening your core and getting a sleeker physique. You'll become more aware of your alignment and posture -- which contributes to better body awareness and image while you're out in your swimsuit. We talked to Cassey Ho, Pilates instructor and founder of POP Pilates, about some of her favorite floor exercises to get bikini-ready:

Elevated Corkscrew
Start by lying on your back. Then prop yourself up on your elbows and engage your abs. Straighten your back so you can lift your legs up at an angle (about 45 degrees from the mat). Circle your legs in a clockwise direction, then go counter clockwise, trying five circles each way. For an easier modification, bend your legs instead of keeping them straight.

Teaser with Circle Arms
Sit on your tailbone with arms straight out in front of you, engage your abs and lift your chest so your torso is at a 45-degree angle from the mat. Then lift up bent legs so your shins are parallel to the mat (with toes pointed) and balance on your tailbone in this modified "V" position. While you're balancing, circle your arms in a clockwise direction, and then go counter clockwise. Repeat 20 times in each direction while keeping the rest of your body still.

Scissor Crunch
Start by lying on your back, with your hands behind your head, and your bent elbows facing out. Make sure you press your lower back into the mat as you lift the right leg up towards the sky and keep the left leg low and parallel to the floor. Keeping your upper body lifted a few inches off the floor (while also keeping your abs engaged and drawn down into the mat), switch your legs up and down 20 times.

Like I said, cardio is still an important (albeit smaller) part of a bikini-ready workout. But for this we're focusing on interval training, which is different from going steady on the elliptical for 40 minutes. Alternating high-intensity exercise with low-intensity recovery periods actually improves the body's ability to burn fat. So in addition to sculpting and weight-training exercises, these bursts of interval cardio will help reduce flab. Take an interval training spin class, or test out an interval course on the elliptical on your own. For the treadmill-lovers, try alternating between 3 minutes of running and 1.5 minutes of sprinting for 30 minutes (or walking and running if you're a beginner).