The Plank

Normally I come up with cute names for my exercises, but this one I didn't create or name - it's good all by itself! Try this common yoga/pilates move for a great ab isolation exercise:

Muscles Worked: Abs
Time to complete: >5 minutes
You will need: A yoga mat or towel

1. Start by lying on your stomach on a yoga mat or towel, legs extended
2. Bend your elbows so that your hands meet your shoulders, forearms touching the mat/towel and pulling the upper part of your arm (shoulder to elbow) close in to the body
3. Curl your toes under and raise onto the balls of your feet, your upper body resting on your forearms - keep your weight even between the two
4. Pull your abs in tight and assure your body is totally perpendicular to the floor - back flat
5. Hold this position for 2 full minutes, rest 30 seconds then repeat

For a more advanced exercise, push all the way onto your hands (like a push up)