3 Slimming Balance Drills to Get Slimmer in Seconds

Target Your Posture

Balance drills sculpt your abs, improve your posture, and help you look slimmer overall, says Ellen Werther, a trainer in New York City. Work up to three sets of 10 to 12 reps per move.

Beginner: Squat on a Board

1. Stand in the center of a balance board with feet hip-width apart.
2. Sit back into a squat, trying to keep board as steady as possible.
3. Raise arms in front of you or use a wall if needed for support.

Intermediate: One-Legged Kick

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Extend left leg behind you parallel to the floor as you raise arms in front of you.
2. Simultaneously bend right knee. Come to a stand.
3. Repeat on other side.

Advanced: Single-Leg Hop

1. Stand 3 inches in front of a step, hands on hips. Lift right foot off floor.
2. Hop left foot onto center of step and hold for 3 counts, keeping abs tight.
3. Extend right leg and both arms out in front of you, then hold for another 3 counts.
4. Return to starting position and repeat on the opposite leg.

Originally published in Fitness magazine, October 2005.