Equipment: Mat
Good for: abs
Instructions: This six-move circuit from Todd Durkin, CSCS, owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, will turn your summer crush on core workouts into a full-blown love affair. Complete all the moves in order, resting for 30 seconds between each, then repeat the entire circuit for a second round.
Hip-Up
How to: Lie on your right side, with your left arm extended toward the ceiling. Prop your upper body up on your right forearm and raise hips to form a straight line from ankles to head. Lower right hip to floor, then raise it to return to start. Thats 1 rep. Do 20, then hold the starting position for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Rocky Abs
How to: Lie on your back with legs straight and arms extended next to head, biceps by ears and hands grasping a stationary object, such as a set of heavy weights. Raise your legs, butt, and lower back until they are perpendicular to floor and your body weight is resting on your upper back. Brace core and take 5 to 10 seconds to lower your body to floor, keeping it as straight as possible. Thats 1 rep. Do 5 to 10.
Mogul Jump
How to: Start on your hands and feet with toes tucked and knees lifted a few inches off floor. Keeping arms straight and legs together, hop and rotate your knees and feet to the left. Repeat on the right. Thats 1 rep. Continue hopping back and forth for 10 reps.
Three-Point Core Touch
How to: Start in plank position, hands directly below shoulders. Step your left foot forward until your left heel lands outside your left hand and your leg is straight. Pause, return to plank, then step your left leg across your body until your left foot lands outside your right hand and your leg is straight. Return to start. Thats 1 rep. Do 5 to 10, then repeat on opposite side.
Running Man
How to: Lie faceup on floor with your legs straight and feet flexed, upper arms by sides and elbows bent so forearms are perpendicular to floor. Lift shoulders and back off floor as you pull your right knee upward to hip level and drive left arm forward. Return to start and repeat on opposite side. Thats 1 rep. Do 20.
Figure 8
How to: Lie on back with arms at sides, palms facing down. Keeping head and shoulders on floor, brace core and raise legs 45 degrees, then make big looping circles with legs, moving from right to left to trace a horizontal figure 8. Thats 1 rep. Do 10.