From kickboxing to cartwheels, the Miss America contestants step up their workouts ahead of this weekend's pageant

Getting a pageant-ready body is no mean feat.
A new video from ABC News reveals the intense workouts of the Miss America contestants in the run-up to this weekend's event.
From kickboxing to pilates, the girls are clearly putting in the hours. Indeed, one only needs to glance at their washboard stomachs and toned arms to see that the competition goes well beyond the stage.

Washboard stomach: A Miss America contestant proves how effective pilates is at strengthening the core

Mixing it up: One girl lifts weights as she steps on and off a box (left). Later we see her raising and lowering an exercise ball with her legs (right)

And hitting the treadmill is just the start of it. While basic cardio forms a part of the routines, weights and resistance training is key too.

 

One clip shows a pageant hopeful lifting an exercise ball with her legs, another sees a girl use her own body weight as she raises herself up by pulling on a set of straps.
Dumbbells seem to feature in several different exercises, whether one is stepping up and down on a box or leaning forward on a support bench.

Step it up! A neon pink-clad hopeful jumps on and off a balance ball, getting a cardio workout and toning her stomach muscles at once

Toning up: A Miss America contestant lifts dumbbells as she leans on a support bar

Stress-relief: Kickboxing is a full-body workout and one girl's impressive high-kick is all the evidence we need

Of course, some activities give a full-body workout - kickboxing is particularly well-known for that, and one contestant's impressive high-kick is all the evidence we need.
Pilates, too, typically used to strengthen one's core, can be a form of cardio if reps are increased and sped up.
Most of us, though, are a long way from the effortless-looking cartwheel demonstrated by one agile contestant.

Just me, myself and I: A girl uses her own body weight as she raises herself up by pulling on a set of straps

Back to basics: Hitting the treadmill is just the start of it