The 21-Day Total-Body Makeover Workout

Crank Plank

Targets: Abs and obliques

-- Start in side plank position: Lie on floor on right side with feet stacked, place right palm on floor directly in front of right shoulder, and press up until right arm is extended. (Keep a slight bend in right elbow as body forms a straight line from head to toes.) MAKE IT EASIER: Instead of stacking feet, place side of left foot on floor in front of right foot for a wider base of support.

-- Bring left hand to touch behind head, elbow bent out to side. Keeping hips stacked, slowly rotate torso to bring left elbow toward right arm.

-- Rotate torso to return to side plank.

-- Start with 8 to 12 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 2 sets.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, March 2011.