This move is perfect for whittling down “love handles,” that layer of fat around your midsection. These crunches will work the obliques – the long muscles that run alongside your torse – as well as the upper abs. Let’s get started:

Step 1: Lie on your side on a mat with your knees bent and angled toward one side. Place hands behind your head.

Step 2: Look up at the ceiling, tighten your abs and breathe slowly as you crunch up through a count of 10 seconds.

Step 3: Hold and squeeze for 2 seconds at the maximum tension point.

Step 4: Maintain tension in your obliques as you lower yourself to the starting position through a count of 10 seconds.

Step 5: Without resting, repeat once more on this side and then switch sides and complete 2 more reps for a total of 4.