Good Form: Focus on the abdominals
Placing a yoga block under your feet in this simple move is an excellent way to isolate and train your abdominal muscles. It helps you to relax your hip flexors so you can feel a stronger workout just in your abdominals.
Lie on your back on a padded surface or mat. Bend your knees, bringing the soles of your feet together. Rest the outer edges of your feet on the top of a yoga block. Allow your knees to fall out to the sides. Place your fingertips behind your head with your elbows pointed out to the sides.
On an exhalation, contract your abdominals fully and slowly raise your chest, shoulders and head off the floor. Keep your knees and elbows open to the sides. Pause at the peak of the contraction and stay in this position for a count of six to eight. Inhale and slowly release as you lower down. Do 12 reps, then rest 15 seconds and repeat two more sets.
Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs including “Full Body Stretch” and “Ballet BodySculpt.”