Working toward a flat and firm tummy
This exercise works your abdominal muscles more deeply than typical curls and crunches. To get the best results, focus on keeping your midsection firm and flat while your arms and legs move.
1 Lie face up on a mat or a cushioned surface. Lift your feet, keeping your knees directly above your hips and your calves parallel to the ground. Raise your arms above your shoulders, with your palms facing your feet. As you exhale, contract your abdominals, pull in your navel toward your spine and press lower back firmly to the floor.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. May 1, 2003 For The Record
Los Angeles Times Thursday May 01, 2003 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 56 words Type of Material: Correction
Exercise instructions -- In Monday’s Health section, instructions in the Good Form column were incorrect. The second photo showed the left leg extended, with the right arm reaching behind the head. The instructions, however, were to extend the right leg while reaching with the right arm. The photo demonstrated the proper way to perform the exercise.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Monday May 05, 2003 Home Edition Health Part F Page 8 Features Desk 1 inches; 53 words Type of Material: Correction
Good Form -- Instructions in last Monday’s Good Form column were incorrect. The second photo showed the left leg extended, with the right arm reaching behind the head. The instructions, however, were to extend the right leg while reaching with the right arm.
The photo demonstrated the proper way to perform the exercise.
2 Keeping your abdominals flat, stretch your right leg in front of you as you reach your right arm behind your head. Move your left arm toward your left hip. Pause for two seconds and return to the start position. Repeat the exercise 12 to 16 times, alternating arms and legs.
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Karen Voight
Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.