When you think ab work, the first move that comes to mind is often the classic crunch. This move might tone your middle but it's not so good for your back. Repeatedly rounding the spine in a crunch sets the stage for a disk injury, and the crunch doesn't help your posture either. Neither are crunches functional movements, meaning this movement will not help anywhere but the gym. Have I convinced Read more

The woodchopper is a fave exercise among trainers everywhere — Gunnar Peterson calls it his fave core exercise — and my Equinox trainer is a fan of the move too. Woodchoppers really work the abs but target the obliques, helping you to tone your muffin top. But unlike the static plank, woodchoppers target your middle while your middle is in motion, making this move a serious function fitness Read more

No matter how you slice it or dice it, the BOSU makes everything harder — and I mean that in a good way. Take your basic plank, add the BOSU into the equation and your core is working overtime. Here's a progression of plank exercises for this devilish piece of equipment that I learned from my Equinox trainer Lauren. Basic Plank: You start in a basic plank with the ball side of the BOSU facing Read more

As if holding your body a few inches above the ground in Four-Limbed Staff wasn't challenging enough, here's a variation to make your upper body, abs, and booty work even harder. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Chaturanga Dandasana English Translation: One-Legged Four-Limbed Staff Pose Also Called: One-Legged Chaturanga Curious to know how to get into this pose? Then read more Read more

I don't mind doing crunches, as long as my body is supported on a ball. It makes it much more comfy on my spine, and they also feel more effective since I end up having to use my legs to keep me balanced. This variation combines some triceps work, so you'll work two areas at once. For directions on how to do this multitasking move, read more Read more

If the thought of baring your belly in a bikini sends shivers up your spine, try this full-body move sure to tone your center. This balancing exercise will work your muscles more effectively, giving you faster results with fewer reps (read: less time at the gym, more time at the beach). Similar to the core exercise opposite limb extensions with a band, this variation is more challenging since Read more

If you're looking for exercises to do using a kettlebell, you can strengthen your thighs and tush by doing swinging kettlebell squats or swinging kettlebell squat lunge. Here's another move to add to your routine that will not only target your thighs, but will also give you a killer workout for your core. I'm using a five-pound kettlebell, but if you want more of a challenge, I'd go for a 10- or Read more