Five-Minute Tummy Tuck

1. Lie on a padded mat, feet hip-width apart and bent at the knees. Arms should be down at the sides. Inhale through the nose, and as you exhale flatten the low back by pulling the belly in. Release and repeat the process once more. On the second repetition, keep the back flattened and further deepen the belly. This action creates a "scoop," in the midsection (figure A). There is a tendency to "pooch" the belly when exhaling, so it may take a few reps to get into the flow of the exercise. Do 10 sets of the two-repetition set.
   
   
2. Concentrating on the upper abdominals, remain in the same position and interlace the hands behind the head. Inhale, then float the head up as you exhale, deepening the belly (figure B). Maintain this position, inhale, then as you exhale, deepen the belly again. After exhaling, roll the head back down to the mat. This same process can be focused on the lower abdominals, as well, by deepening the scoop as the head is elevated.
   
   
   
3. For the final step in this workout, stand up tall and straight, inhale, then as you exhale, round your back and put your hands on your thighs (figure C). Drop the head and relax the shoulders. Exhale forcefully, concentrating on sucking the belly in toward the spine. Each exhale should be around a second apart. This routine is called the "Breath of Fire." Do this 10 times, then roll up to a straight standing position while inhaling.