Get a stomach of steel

Sick of sit-ups? Driven crazy by crunches? Try these ab-tastic tummy-toning moves instead, says Amanda Khouv

THIS workout targets the core and the abs, plus it’s great for anyone who spends their day at a desk. It will get you standing tall and looking slim, and eradicate the hunched shoulders and body-folding encouraged by regular abs workouts.

How to do it

Perform the moves back to back, without rest, for the allotted reps. When you complete one set of all the moves, take a minute’s rest, then repeat.

Beginner: 3 x 10 reps

Intermediate: 4 x 15 reps

Advanced: 5 x 20 reps

Kit you’ll need: Stability ball

Plank extension

Technique:

¦ Begin in plank position with your forearms resting on a stability ball and your elbows close to your body.

¦ Nudge the ball forwards as far as is comfortable without letting your hips drop. Then bring it back to the start and repeat.

SAFETY TIP

Relax yourshouldersawayfrom your ears

Stability ball pike

Technique:

¦ Begin in plank position, with your feet resting on a stability ball.

¦ Keeping your legs straight, hinge at your hips, and draw the ball toward your hands, as far as is comfortable.

¦ Slowly extend your body to push the ball back to the start, then repeat.

V-sit

Technique:

¦ Lie on your back on the floor, legs extended and arms overhead.

¦ In one swift movement, keeping your arms and legs straight, bring your hands to meet your toes, or as close as you can get.

¦ Lower back to the start, then repeat.