Fitness tip

5 Moves to a Sexier Stomach
A simple 5-step routine that will cut the flab and give you great abs.

The Best Ab Workout

Everyone dreams of flaunting flatter abs at the beach or pool. But who wants to spend half the summer doing sit-ups? Fortunately, you won't have to: Simply do this quickie ab-toning workout from Erica Gragg, coauthor of Bikini Bootcamp, at least three times a week and your belly can look flatter in a flash. Pair her routine with five 30-minute moderately intense cardio sessions, and get ready to love your sexier, slimmer middle!

1. Crunch with Alternate Leg Extensions

Targets: Abs
Lie on your back, with knees bent and feet on the floor hip-width apart. Interlace fingers behind head. Simultaneously lift head, neck, and shoulders and extend left leg so that it's 1 to 2 feet off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds. Bend knee back in as you lower upper body to start. Repeat on right side. Do 20 crunches, alternating sides.

2. Side Extension

Targets: Shoulders, core, and obliques
Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, holding a 1-liter bottle of water with both hands overhead, shoulders down. Lean upper body slightly forward and to the right. Hold for 2 breaths. Return to starting position; repeat on left side. Do 10 reps, alternating sides.

3. Toe Drop

Targets: Abs
Lie on your back, arms at sides, palms down, knees bent 90 degrees so calves are parallel to the floor. Engage abs and slowly lower left toes to touch the floor. Lift foot back up; repeat on the right side. Do 25 reps, alternating legs.

4. All-Four

Targets: Arms, core, and legs
Lie on your back with legs lifted over hips, feet flexed. Extend arms over shoulders, palms in. Engage abs and lower right arm and left leg toward the floor without arching back or shrugging shoulders. Lift back up. Do 10 reps; switch sides and repeat.

5. Standing Twist

Targets: Shoulders, arms, and obliques
Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, holding a 1-liter bottle of water with both hands in front of you. Slowly lift left leg, balancing on right foot. Engage abs and twist upper body to the left, back through center, then to the right. Repeat rotation for 15 reps. Lower leg; switch sides and repeat