Our Top 10 Abs Exercises

The Hundred

A machine- (and accessory-) free Pilates move that afterwards always makes me think 1) "Uh, we sure sounded like we're doing Lamaze," and 2) "Wow."

Do it:

• Sit tall on the mat with your knees bent by your chest and your hands at your sides.
• Lie down with your knees bent and your palms facing down.
• Exhale and raise your head and shoulders off the mat.
• Vigorously pump your arms 6 inches up and down, reaching with your fingertips.
• Inhale for 5 pumps, then exhale for 5 pumps. Be sure to curl your chin in toward your chest.
• Do 100 pumps, or 10 full breaths.
• Try to keep your lower back pressed in toward the floor and keep your lower abs pulled in toward your spine. You should keep your abs engaged this way throughout the workout.

VIDEO: See the hundred