Your Abs Workout

For a stomach that you'll be proud to flaunt, try out our expert's ab workout. Follow along with the step-by-step instructions below the gallery and be on your way to a tighter midsection.

The Plank

Step 1: Position yourself on your elbows and knees while keeping your fists together.
Step 2: Keeping your torso straight, extend your legs out so that you are balanced on your toes and elbows. Pull abs inward and hold for 10 slow counts. Repeat a total of three times.
Challenge Yourself: Build up to 30 slow counts.

The Bicycle

Step 1: Lie on your back, place your hands behind your head and hold elbows out to the sides but rounded slightly in. Bend your right knee into your chest and extend left leg up at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Curl up and to the side so that left shoulder moves towards right knee.
Step 2: Twist to the left as you straighten your right leg and bend yourleft leg. Hold a moment before moving into the next repetition. Do 8 to 15 reps on each side.
Challenge yourself: Add 3 short "pulses" to each rep by moving your shoulder, rather than your elbow, towards your knee.

Reverse Crunches

Step 1: Lie on your back with your legs up off the floor directly over hips and legs extended upward. Place your hands behind your head.
Step 2: Pull your abs in and keep your neck and shoulders relaxed as you lift your tail bone about an inch up off the floor. Lower to start. Repeat 8 to 5 times.
Challenge yourself: As you lift, roll your hips back slightly so that your knees move a few inches towards your chest.

Back Lift

Step 1: Lie on the floor with your arms and legs out straight, forehead resting on the floor, abs pulled in tight.
Step 2: Lift your right arm and left leg off the floor, hold five counts then repeat with the other side. Continue slowly alternating for a total of 5 reps each side. Challenge yourself: Move arms and legs quickly as if you were swimming through the water. Do 20 to 30 reps per side.

• More Ab Flattening Tips