Beach body pilates: hit the mat instead of the gym: these 6 do-anywhere Pilates moves tone your abs, hips, arms, butt, and thighs just in time for bathing-suit season—no equipment required

6b Exhale, contracting your abs as you draw your left knee diagonally toward your right elbow; let your spine curl slightly as if you were doing a crunch. Inhale and straighten your leg to lower to the starting position. Repeat, alternating sides.

Core workout

Do 5 reps on each side.

Beginning

Do the exercise with your knees on the ground.

Advanced

Attach 3- to 5-pound ankle weights.

Benefit Strengthens abs, butt, hamstrings, and quads; spine extensors, shoulders, back, chest, and arms work as stabilizers.

Photography by FRAN GEALER

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group