Two Blocks to Uh-mazing Abs

Get rock-hard abs, a tight butt and no-jiggle thighs with just two yoga blocks. Not a yogi? No problem—you’re just stealing the blocks. Instead of inching into a yoga pose, you’ll use them to tone everything.

THE TRAINER: New York City trainer Terri Walsh. “I designed these exercises on blocks to throw you off balance, which forces your abs to kick in to help you stabilize,” she says.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Two yoga blocks. Newbies, try firmer ones, like the Gaiam Sol Natural Cork Blocks ($19 each; Amazon.com) that we used. They’re a little easier to maneuver on than squishier foam versions.

THE PLAN: Do the prescribed routine three times a week on alternate days for a month and you’ll see blockbuster results. 

The Move: Reach for It

Works: Back, Abs, Obliques

How-To: Sit on edge of block, right leg extended with heel on other block; lean back so left forearm rests on floor. Extend left leg straight up, and grab ankle with right hand (as shown) to start. Lower left foot to block, rotate torso to right, and hug right knee to chest with left arm as right hand comes to floor. Return to start. Repeat for 30 seconds. Switch sides; repeat.

The Move: Sexy Swivel

Works: Abs, Thighs

How-To: Lie faceup with legs straight up, squeezing block between calves; place hands on forehead, and engage abs to lift shoulders off floor. Keep abs tight as you twist hips to right, bringing right elbow to left thigh (as shown). Then twist hips to left, bringing left elbow to right thigh. Continue alternating sides for 2 minutes.

MORE: Watch the Step-by-Step Video

The Move: In ’N’ Out

Works: Back, Abs, Thighs

How-To: Sit on side-by-side blocks, knees bent, feet on floor; lean back; brace upper body with forearms on floor. Cross left leg under right leg; tap floor with left foot; place right ankle on left knee. Extend legs in a wide V (as shown). Cross legs in opposite direction (right foot on floor, left ankle on right knee). Alternate sides for 1 minute.

The Move: Later, Love Handles

Works: Obliques, Back, Thighs

How-To: Start in a deep lunge with right leg forward, left knee on a block, other block on floor inside of right foot. Lean forward, rest right forearm on block, place left forearm perpendicular to block on floor, and extend right leg behind you to left. Open torso to left, reaching left arm up (as shown). Return arm to floor. Open torso to right, reaching right arm up. Continue alternating for 30 seconds. Switch sides; repeat.

MORE: Log Your Workout 

The Move: High, Low—Let’s Go

Works: Abs, Butt, Thighs

How-To: Place blocks flat on floor wider than hip-width apart, one vertical to body, one horizontal. Stand with right foot on vertical block, left knee raised to hip level, arms extended to right at shoulder level. With right foot on block, lunge left leg to left side just outside of other block, reaching right arm to touch left foot, left arm overhead (as shown). Return to start. Repeat for 1 minute. Switch sides; repeat.

The Move: Thigh Time

Works: Thighs, Shoulders, Arms, Abs, Obliques, Butt

How-To: Start on all fours with right hand on block that is vertical to body, left hand on floor, left foot flat on horizontal block, toes turned out to left, and right leg extended behind you on floor. Open torso to left, extending arm up. Return to start, then tap right foot to left heel (as shown). Return to start again. Repeat for 1 minute. Switch sides; repeat.

MORE ON SELF.COM:

• The 8-Minute CrossFit Workout
• Speedy Ab Sculptors
• Calorie-Incinerating Cardio

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