Pellau Magazine

How do you create the ideal belly-flattening routine? You start with a short list of exercisesthat have been proved in the lab and then hand them to a fitness pro to give them a little twist. "These nine moves not only work your core from the front, back, and sides, but they are also adjustable to any level," says Chelsey Korus, an instructor for YogaWorks studios in New York City, who adapted this seriously cinching session for FITNESS.

The synergy of doing a workout that strengthens your entire core also means extra support for your spine and more power when you do everything, including playing tennis and pushing a stroller. All you'll need is a pair of yoga blocks, such as Gaiam's Yoga Essentials Blocks ($21 a pair, gaiam.com) and a towel. Aim to do three sessions a week on nonconsecutive days.