The 10 Best Fitness Moves of 2010

When people find out I edit SELF, they often ask me, “What’s the best move for toning my abs?” Well, it’s not always abs—sometimes I get asked about moves for toning arms, thighs or butt—but bottom line, we’re all looking for that one awesome, supereffective move to whip our biggest trouble zone into shape. That said, I have my favorite hall-of-fame moves that I’ve learned from the pages of SELF, and when I put them all together, I get one awesome allover toning session—and isn’t that better than having just one fit body part? So here are my top 10 go-to moves; try one (or all), three times a week, and get ready to love every inch of yourself in just a few weeks of regular toning!

FOCUS ON…YOUR ABS

Bicycle crunch
Lie on the floor faceup, hands behind your head, elbows out. Lift your shoulder blades and left leg about 6 inches off the floor as you bring your right knee toward your chest and twist your torso toward your right knee. Switch sides, twisting your torso to your bent left knee for one rep. Continue alternating in a pedaling motion for 30 reps.

Plank with knee-in
Start in push-up position on your hands and toes. Keep your abs tight as you bring your right knee toward your left elbow. Return to start. Do 20 reps, switching legs as you go.

FOCUS ON…YOUR ARMS

Triceps dips
Sit at the edge of a bench, hands at the front of seat with fingers forward, knees bent 90 degrees. Use your arms to lift yourself off the bench. Place your right hand on your right knee; extend your left leg in line with your hip. Lower your body until your left elbow is bent almost 90 degrees. Straighten your left arm for one rep. Do 10 to 12 reps; switch sides; repeat twice.

Classic push-up
Start in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders. Keeping your neck in line with your spine, lower your torso until your chest is a couple of inches off floor. Pause; push back up to start for one rep. Do two sets of 12 reps.

FOCUS ON…YOUR LEGS AND BUTT

Lunge launch
Start in lunge position with your right leg forward, knee over your foot, hands on hips. Sink deeper into the lunge, then leap up, switching legs midair and landing softly in a lunge position with your left leg forward. Use your arms for leverage. (Move them back and forth as you would while jogging.) Repeat on the opposite side for one rep. Do eight reps.
 
If you have joint issues, try this move instead:
Walking lunge
Stand with your feet together, hands on your hips. Step your right foot forward (2–3 feet). Bend your knees and lower your body toward the ground. (Be sure to keep your knee aligned with your toes). Push through your heel and return to start. Repeat with left leg, stepping forward for one rep. Do 10 reps.

Jiggle-free jump
Squat with your arms extended in front of you at shoulder height, palms facing down. Jump up, throwing your arms behind you, then land in a squat position. Repeat 20 times without rest.

If you have joint issues, try this move instead: Wall sit Squat with your back against a wall, feet hip-width apart, thighs almost parallel to floor, arms at sides. Hold for 30 seconds. Rest and repeat three times.

FOCUS ON…YOUR BACK

Hot-body hop
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Crouch down, placing your hands on the floor under shoulders. With your hands planted, jump your feet behind you, landing in a plank. Hop your feet back to your hands, then quickly return to standing for one rep. Do 20 reps.

Superman
Lie facedown with your midsection on an exercise ball, hands on the sides of the ball, legs extended, toes on floor. Extend your right arm and lift your left leg until you engage your butt. Pause; switch sides. Do 12 reps.

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