Get your core into shape with these super-quick ab-toning exercises from Astrid McGuire, a top trainer who is known for her sold-out cardio and strength classes at Barry’s Bootcamp. She’s responsible for the super-sexy abs of Jessica Alba, Stacey Keibler, and Julianne Hough.
1. The Bend And Snap. Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, holding a five- to 15-pound dumbbell in each hand. Turn both feet 45 degrees to the left, then stick out your right hip. Do a biceps curl with your right hand, keeping the dumbbell at shoulder height while letting your left arm hang straight toward the floor. Keeping your eyes on your right hand, stretch your left hand to your left ankle and extend your right dumbbell toward the sky. Do 15 reps, then switch sides.
2. Get Your Figure Eight. Grip the dumbbell with both hands, and sit on the floor with knees bent. Lift your feet about a foot off the floor, straighten legs, and lean your torso back to make a V shape. Raise up your left leg, and pass the dumbbell around your outer leg and back to the center. Without stopping, pass the dumbbell under your right leg and back to the center to complete a fluid figure-eight movement. That’s one rep; do 25.
3. The Drawbridge. Sit on the floor, balancing on your left hip and left forearm with feet stacked together and slightly off the floor, right arm extended straight toward the sky. Inhale, then, as you exhale, crunch your straightened legs and right arm so they’re close to touching. Do 10 to 25 reps, then switch sides.
4. The Standing Crunch. Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart with toes turned out. Bend knees to get into low-plié position, then put your hands behind your head, keeping elbows wide. Holding plié and keeping your chest up, lower your right elbow toward your right knee, then repeat to left. That’s one rep; do 25.
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