Denise's Daily Dozen (14 page)

5. Oblique Toners

Twist your way to an hourglass waistline.

 Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abs and lift your upper body so that the shoulder blades are off the floor. Hold a dumbbell with both hands and bend your elbows so your hands are in front of your chest.

 Twist your upper body to the left side as you pull your abs in. Really feel the rotation as you crunch and twist to the side. Time: 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

 
CHALLENGE:
Lift your legs off the floor with your legs at a ninety-degree angle.

6. Lower-Tummy Toner

This targets the lower abs as well as the thighs!

 Lie on your back with your legs bent in the air at a ninety-degree angle and put a rolled-up hand towel between your knees. Place your arms by your sides with your palms on the floor.

 Lift your hips up off the ground. Pull your belly button in and press your inner thighs together. Use your abs—not momentum—to lift your hips. Time: 1 minute.

 
CHALLENGE:
Straighten your legs as you lift your hips off the ground.

7. Double Crunch

I love this because it’s a “complete” ab workout.

 Lie on your back with your legs bent at a ninety-degree angle in the air with a rolled-up hand towel between your knees. Bend your elbows and place your hands behind your head.