Our Top 10 Abs Exercises

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Our Top 10 Abs Exercises

Ballet Twist

I like the really generous side-stretching in this modified half-crunch. (When I first tried this move, I had a buddy hold my feet still at first until I got the motion down -- it was helpful to have her watch my form and correct the angle of my back.)

Do it:

Sit on the floor and extend your legs, pressing them firmly together.
Lean back 45 degrees from the hips.
Keep your abs engaged as you bring both your arms overhead like a ballerina.
Slowly twist your torso to the right, placing your right arm on the mat. Keep your left arm reaching overhead for a slow count of 3.
Repeat the movement, keeping your left arm on the floor, and keeping your butt and heels on the floor.
Contract your abs to support your spine as you return to center, bringing both arms overhead.
Continue alternating sides. Do 2 sets of 6 to 8 reps on each side.