We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! As of this past weekend, Spring is finally, officially here – along with panic about the upcoming bikini season. When it comes to shaping up your abs , you want to combine a healthy , diet with high-intensity cardio and moves that target your deep abdominal muscles – aka the transverse abdominus. When strong, these babies work like an invisible girdle, pulling everything up and in. Result: A flat belly without the Spanx ! We asked exercise physiologist Amy Dixon , group fitness manager at Equinox in Santa Monica, CA, for some of her favorite moves to tame the lower abdominal area – or as we like to call it, the “pooch.” Stability Ball Rollout Kneel on the floor behind a stability ball. Place your forearms

on top of the ball, hands clasped to start. Contract your abs and roll the ball forward as far as possible without bending back or hunching shoulders (shown above). Hold for 2 counts, then return to start for one rep. Do 2 sets of 15 reps. Stability Ball Jack Knives Get in push-up position with your shins elevated on a stability ball. Your body should form a straight line from the top of your head to your heel. Brace your abs to prevent your midsection from sagging toward the floor. Slowly pull your knees toward your chest. Straighten legs to roll the ball back to start and complete the rep. Do 2 sets of 14 reps. See how planks can help you tone your belly.

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Forget the Muffin Top: How to Ditch Your Pooch