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Fitness

Get tight abs with these four surprising exercises

Sculpt a stronger core with these targeted moves that work every ab muscle plus a whole lot more.
By Alanna Glassman
Toned stomach, abs

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Four surprising moves for tight abs

10 minute workout

The plan: Do our four moves three times a week to see more definition in a month or less. For fast results, add 20 minutes of cardio.

You need: Hand weights

Toned stomach, abs

Front lunge and twist

Stand with feet hip-width apart, weight in hands, arms in front at shoulder height. Step into a forward lunge as you rotate torso to the same side as lunging leg. Repeat on opposite side. Do 12 reps, alternating sides each time.

Perfect your form: Push heel of front foot into ground to keep from wobbling. Direct twisting movement from side abs.

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Dial it down: Skip the twist. 

Amp it up: Increase reps.

Get tight abs with these four surprising exercises

Plank toe taps

Begin in plank position, with shoulders stacked above wrists and feet hip-width apart. Gently move one leg out to side and tap toe to floor. Return and repeat with opposite leg. Do 10 to 12 reps.

Perfect your form: Keep back flat; avoid dipping hips.

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Dial it down: Skip the toe taps. Stay in plank instead for 60 seconds. Or drop to knees. 

Amp it up: After each tap, hover toe a few inches above floor for three counts. 

Get tight abs with these four surprising exercises

Single-leg dead lift

Stand with feet hip-width apart, weight in hands, arms in front of you. Step one leg behind you. Tip forward at hips with back leg straight behind you, maintaining a line from ankle to shoulder. Hold for two counts. Return to start. Do eight to 10 reps. Switch sides.

Perfect your form: Engage glutes throughout move to help keep back leg straight.

Dial it down: Touch a chair back for balance.

Amp it up: Increase reps.

Get tight abs with these four surprising exercises

Side plank with fly

Start in side plank, feet stacked, forearm on floor (shoulder in line with elbow) and weight in top hand. Lift weight to shoulder height, pause, then raise it slowly toward ceiling. Do eight to 10 reps. Switch sides. Repeat. 

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Perfect your form: Pinch shoulder blades together as you perform the fly to activate upper back muscles. Keep hips raised throughout move. 

Dial it down: Ditch the weight. 

Amp it up: Lift top leg up (the higher, the better!).

Follow the jump for more incredible 10-minute workouts.

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Get tight abs with these four surprising exercises

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