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.