The Best Celebrity Bodies (and how to get 'em)

From Brooke Burke’s dancing abs to Rihanna’s kickin’ curves, we’ve rounded up the top ways to stay beach ready.

And while it takes limitless self control to stay in the rock hard shape that all of the celebrities on this list boast, we’re giving special props to the perfectly sculpted bodies of Moms Halle Berry, Heidi Klum and Brooke Burke. Because looking utterly stunning after having babies takes will power to a whole new level.

Here’s our list of the prettiest celebrity bodies and the tricks and tips that keep these women tight, toned and totally hot.

Brooke Burke

A testament to the power of a hot body, TV personality Brooke Burke launched her career by looking great in a bikini.

According to her blog, Burke stays fit by eating five small meals a day, avoiding white flour all together and, of course, shaking her booty rigorously when she was on Dancing With the Stars.

And this new mom, who raised eyebrows after appearing stunningly svelte just four weeks after the birth of her fourth child,  also swears by belly wraps called Tauts ($56 to $62); sold online at Burke’s own website, babooshbaby.com.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry herself sees the irony in being named Esquire Magazine’s “Sexiest Woman Alive” in 2008, the same year that 42 year-old Berry gave birth to her first child.

Berry, who thanked the magazine for “thinking outside of the box,” proves that while a little self-deprecation can be very sexy, the real work is done behind the scenes. 

Eating an uber-healthy diet of veggies, lean protein, and complex carbs while drinking tons of water, Berry also works out five days a week with trainer Ramona Braganza.

Rihanna

She’s been on our list many times for her shapely ‘dos, but Rihanna’s haute looks are even hotter below the neck.

There’s no denying that Rihanna works hard to fit into her size 2 pants; she admits to doing tons of cardio, eating frequent small, high protein meals and skipping carbs, declaring that “carbs are the enemy!”

Heidi Klum

What to say when asked to hit the runway for Victoria’s Secret just eight short weeks after giving birth? For runway model, actress and Project Runway hostess Heidi Klum, the answer was a resounding "yes!"

And with the help of A-list trainer and nutritionist David Kirsch, Klum makes looking great after three children seem as easy as sashaying down the runway in skivvies. 

While Klum admits that she doesn’t love working out, the super stunner committed to 90 minute workouts after baby #3 as well as eating small, frequent meals to keep her metabolism burning calories all day long. We expect to see her jump right back on the runway after baby #4 as well. Some people!

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba says her family is prone to obesity; but you wouldn’t know it by looking at her. She overcomes genetic predisposition by eating low-calorie meals, avoiding sweets and bread and working out at least an hour per day.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood has come a long way since she, as a healthy teenager, won the fourth season of American Idol.

Ever since, Underwood’s chart-topping country hits aren’t all that’s getting attention. Underwood’s super svelte body and red carpet style get her noticed.

Underwood credits her near 20-pound weight loss to her vegetarian diet and busy lifestyle.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel’s athletic physique can undoubtedly be attributed to her active lifestyle. But, that’s not all; Biel avoids processed foods and starts each day with complex carbs to give her ample energy for the remainder of the day.

Megan Fox

You’d never guess that, just like us, Megan Fox isn’t a huge fan of working out. But for the sake of good health and a great body, Fox bites the bullet, working out with a trainer three times a week for at least an hour.

She also focuses on eating a full and healthy breakfast to encourage a healthy metabolism and give her energy throughout the day.

Ashanti

It’s no secret that Grammy-award winning recording artist Ashanti can dance, what might be a surprise is that dancing isn’t all Ashanti does to keep her body in shape. 

As a teen, Ashanti was a member of her school’s track team and was a decorated competitor. She’s carried her childhood pastime with her to keep in shape, running at least three times a week.

And, when she’s looking to get a jump-start on slimming down, she is a fan of the “Master Cleanse” diet, which she used to drop close to 10 pounds in preparation for her role in the 2007 sci-fi film Resident Evil: Extinction. 

Zhang Ziyi

For Zhang Ziyi getting into shape isn’t an easy task.

From grueling martial arts training for roles in films such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Rush Hour 2 to habitual long-distance running, Ziyi doesn’t shy away from a good, hard workout.

And when martial arts training isn’t on her to-do list, this classically trained ballet dancer continues to dance in her spare time to stay in shape.