Do More for Your Core
If there's one body part that shouts "over 40," it's the abs. Years of crunches may have strengthened these muscles, but are they still shaping them? These three moves will nudge your gut out of its rut.
Bicycles
Research at San Diego State University showed that the bicycle (lie on your back, right leg extended and left knee bent toward chest; touch your right elbow to your left knee; repeat on other side) works a large number of abdominal muscles at once, so it's one of the most effective exercises you can do.
Ball Crunches
Another great abs move, according to the San Diego study: crunches on a fitness ball. Aim for three sets of 10 reps; keep your abs pulled in throughout the move.
Side Lifts
Lie on the floor on your side, legs stacked on top of each other. Prop your torso up on your bent forearm, with legs bent (easier) or straight (harder). Lift your hip off the floor so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to legs. Hold for a count of three; lower to floor. Repeat five to eight times; then switch sides and repeat. "You really have to use core muscles and obliques to do this, but you won't think about the fact that you are working your abs," Kaehler says. "It's a great way to sneak in some abdominal work."
Originally published in MORE magazine, March 2007.
