Whatever the season, there's no denying the benefit of a strong core. And while a sculpted six-pack is about as coveted to the average woman as finding a partner who will look at her the way Justin Timberlake looks at Jessica Biel, there are a slew of other benefits to having a powerful midsection. A solid set of muscles will help you perform virtually every movement, from standing properly to carrying your purse or grocery bag up a flight of stairs. Plus, it can help stave off pain in other areas of the body, like your shoulders, hips, and back.
Newsflash: you can build core strength on your own, no equipment required. Here, Alex Silver-Fagan, Nike master trainer, offers up her 10-minute, no-equipment workout that'll give you abs of steel in no time.
Do each exercise for 40 seconds, resting 20 seconds between each one. Repeat the sequence once.
Plank to Pike
Alternating V-Up
Side Plank With Knee Drive
Bear Plank With Shoulder Tap