Ab Rehab Workout

Based on the Tupler Technique, created by New York-based trainer and childbirth educator Julie Tupler, R.N., this unique series of exercises you can do at home will not only protect your back during day-to-day activities, it also will help shrink your belly.

Sit cross-legged with your back against a support, shoulders in line with your hips, and both hands on your abdomen. Inhale, expanding your belly out to the first floor, then exhale as you bring your transverse back to the fifth floor [shown].

Hold and count out loud to 30. Do 5 small squeezes toward the sixth floor (as far toward the back of your spine as possible), then end with 1 full breath. Repeat 10 times.

Benefit: Strengthens abdominals.