Now that swimsuit season is in full effect, women everywhere are working hard to look tip-top. I, for instance, am always looking for the latest and greatest workouts to help keep my abs under control.

Well, Fitness Magazine has introduced their Top 10 Ab Exercises that you can do just about anywhere. I have tried out 5 of these exercises just to give readers an inside look — starting with the Abdominal Hold.This one I found pretty intense – especially in my arms. To do this workout you sit in a chair lift your feet 2-4 inches off the floor and then hold yourself off the chair. Verdict: if you don’t have arm strength, this may be pretty tricky. 

The Hundred

I think this is one of my favorites – because it works! Basically, you are lying on a mat, raising your head and shoulders off the mat pumping your arms up and down. It’s difficult, but you feel results right away!

The Prone Plank

Ahh, the dreaded plank. This is a slight twist on a regular plank where you are in a full push-up position, instead of on your elbows. Hold that position for 30 seconds (or longer if you can handle it). It will definitely get you shaking, but very effective!

Squat Thrust with Twist

I love squats — they’re an amazing workout for your lower body. So I was interested to try out this workout. Put yourself in a squat position and while squatting bend your knees 90 degrees twisting your upper body to the left. Repeat on the right side. Try to keep your balance, as it gives better results.

The Cobra

This seemed like more of a yoga pose than an ab workout, but hey whatever works. For this, lie face down on the floor with your palms near your chest lifting your head, shoulders and chest off the floor and pulling your shoulder blades together. Hold this for 2 counts and repeat 8-10 times. 

These are great exercises when you start to get bored from traditional crunches or sit ups. Try a few and the others below and let me know which ones you tried!

What exercises do you do to keep in shape?

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