Tone stomach and strengthen back with abdominal cycle

Are you looking to shape up your abdominal muscles? I remember the first time I realized the appeal of six-pack abs way back when I first saw Janet Jackson's video for the song "That's the Way Love Goes". Miss Jackson changed her look from the former Rhythm Nation-image of a youth in full-black commando outfits, to sexy and sleek wearing a short and slinky stomach-baring top. All the boys at my Jr. High were obsessed with that video, as were the females (for different reasons). Even as teenage girls, we all wanted to have those abs.

Years later, I still have never had a six-pack. I don't actually want them anymore, but I would love to lose a layer of fat and look more toned. While sit-ups were the way to go back in my Jr. High days, the ideal way to flatten your stomach now is through aerobic exercise (to burn off the flab covering the muscles underneath) and by toning through strengthening your core.

As this article discusses, poses like those utilized in Pilates -- ones that work your core muscles through repetitive reaching, bending and twisting movements -- are not only great for toning you stomach but also help strengthen your back. The piece gives instructions on how to properly execute an abdominal cycle, a series of movements that will have your abs looking fab in a mere 10 minutes a day. Whether you're still holding on to that six-pack ideal we all discovered thanks to Janet Jackson, or you're just looking to firm and tone, this is a good way to start.