For your looks, for your health, for feeling your best, abdominals don't just give you a flat, rippled stomach to show off with pride, they're the most important exercise you can do to prevent poor posture, back pain, and other injuries. Strong abs support the spine and eliminate stress throughout the body. Work every part of your midsection--upper, lower, and oblique or side muscles--with a series of wonderfully safe and effective exercises, all arranged by fitness level. Guided by instructive anatomical diagrams and close-up photographs that illustrate the proper technique, do movements that improve alignment, aerobic combinations that target the tummy, crunches, sit-ups, leg and lower body lifts, side twists, and many more. Sneak in a few exercises at the office (no one will even realize what you're doing), find out the best warm-up and cooldown stretches, and take a look at stomach-strengthening equipment. There's a special program for pregnant women, too! Read Less