Summer's nearly here so it's time to get our bodies ready for shorts, sundresses and, of course, bikinis. That means kicking our workouts into high gear to get killer legs.

We asked Fit for Life owner Eric Okamura to map out a strategy for getting legs summer-ready. Add these exercises to your total body workout for maximum results.

Okamura recommends starting with one set of 12 to 15 repetitions, adding sets as you get stronger. Rest 30 to 60 seconds between exercises. He offers this reminder: "Make sure you stretch for 10 to 15 minutes after every episode of activity to prevent injuries."

1. SQUATS

Works: Thighs, butt, hamstrings, core.

How: Keep spine neutral and belly button tight and tucked toward back (to protect the back and strengthen the core). Stand with feet hip-width apart and keep toes, knees and hips in a straight line. Pull your belly button toward your spine and contract your abdominal muscles. Slowly lower your body as if you were sitting in a chair. Inhale going down; exhale going up while squeezing the butt and thighs. Goal is to get knees parallel to the floor, at 90-degree angles. Keeping the weight in the center of your foot, slowly push your body back to starting position. Do not lock your knees at any time.

Advanced version: Squats done on the round side of a BOSU ball.

Watch out for: To avoid injury, knees should stay over or behind the toes.

2. REVERSE LUNGES

Works: Thighs, quadriceps, hamstrings, butt, calves.

How: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and torso erect, take a slow, controlled lunge back with left foot. Lower your hips so your right thigh (front leg) becomes parallel to the floor. Left knee should be bent at a 90-degree angle and pointing toward the floor. Left heel should be lifted. Squeeze your right butt as you lift the back leg to switch legs. Reverse.

Advanced version: Use a BOSU ball, round side up, placing front foot on it. This adds an element of instability that helps with core strengthening.

Watch out for: Front knee should not go in front of toes. Keep front heel firmly planted while in the lunge.

3. LYING LEG CURLS WITH STABILITY BALL

Works: Hamstrings, core.

How: Lie on floor, hands by your side or out to the side in a T and feet and calves on the stability ball. Lift your butt off the floor and use hamstrings to pull the ball toward your butt.

Advanced version: Place hands on chest. Push hips up toward ceiling in a bridge, lifting hips as you pull legs in.

Watch out for: Make sure toes are in dorsi flexion (facing up toward ceiling) and hips are tucked under with abs tight to protect your back.

4. CALF RAISES

Works: Calves.

How: For safety, hold on to a chair, countertop or workout partner. Keep your body as straight as possible from head to heels. Keep knees stiff but not locked. Stand with feet flat and come straight up onto toes, keeping feet parallel and facing straight ahead and hips neutral (like headlights facing forward). Lower feet flat on ground and repeat.

Watch out for: Keep hips tucked under and belly button tucked in toward spine to protect your back.

5. OPPOSING POINTS

Works: Thighs, butt, glutes, core.

How: Kneel on all fours. Extend opposite leg and arm away from your center. If you need more padding for your knees, roll up a yoga mat or towel and place knee on it. Keep bottom (nonextended) foot on the floor. Hold each extension six to eight seconds. Switch arms and legs. To make it more difficult, raise the lower foot during extension.

Advanced: Kneel on the flat side of the BOSU ball, using hands on the edges for balance. Follow instructions above.

Watch out for: Keep hips in neutral position with belly button pulled toward spine to protect the back. No shrugging shoulders.