Don't Go Soft

By Lara Rosenbaum

Tone your midsection with these easy moves

Sit Up (Already)
"When we're tired we collapse our torso, which actually makes us more tired. But if you sit up, you free up space so energy can move through you," Forrest says. Do it right by: Sitting with your legs uncrossed, and your feet flat on the floor. Align your neck with the rest of your spine, situate your shoulders directly over your hips, and slide your shoulder blades down toward your ribs. Next, inhale for as long as you can, and feel your ribs spread to the sides, up into your armpits. "You"ll flush fatigue and feed your brain," Forrest says.

Play the Trumpet
This move strengthens your deepest abdominal muscles, which act as a natural girdle to support your spine and keep your organs in place, says Paul Chek, founder of the Chek Institute in San Diego. Start by putting your finger in your belly button, and inhale deeply. Next, tightly purse your lips as if you were playing the trumpet, and forcefully blow the air out, drawing your belly toward your spine. Be sure to maintain good posture as you exhale. Hold your breath and your belly in for 10 seconds and then release, repeating the sequence 10 times.

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