Getting a leg up on ab work

Make your personal workouts more comfortable and convenient by using furniture in your home. With this exercise, you can strengthen your abdominal muscles while supporting your lower back and neck.

1 Lie face up on the floor with your feet on a chair. Your entire trunk should be resting on the floor. Use a mat or a towel to cushion your spine. Place hands behind your head for support and relax your neck muscles. Inhale to start.

2 On an exhale, slowly move your chest, shoulders and head toward your thighs.

Simultaneously press down on your lower back and roll your hips toward your chest. Your tailbone will rise slightly off the floor. Do three sets of 25 curls, with a 30-second rest between sets.

*

Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.