Crunch time.(GET UP AND GO!)(Brief article)

Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication, February, 2008 by Glenwinkel, Tiffany

Many abdominal exercises work only the large muscles in the front, the rectus abdominis. In any exercise program, it's important to maintain balance by working front, back, and sides. This one works the side muscles, the oblique abdominis.

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

2. Let your legs drop to the left so that your knees rest near the floor.

3. Place your fingertips on the sides of your head just behind your ears.

4. Curl up, pushing your chin toward the ceiling, so that your shoulders lift off the floor a few inches.

5. Hold for two seconds, and return to the start position.

Repeat steps one through five 12 to 15 times for two or three sets. Then flip your legs to the...

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