When we spoke to Anna Kaiser [1], the mastermind who sculpted Shakira's body [2] (among those of many other celebs), we wanted to know two things: how to get a stronger, more toned booty and the best way to build rockin' ab muscles. She shared three of her best booty exercises [3] that she uses with her A-list clientele, in addition to her all-time favorite workout move: this Pilates ball crunch for abs. Here's how to do it:
- Sit on the ball. Place your hands behind your head and walk your feet away, resting your middle back (not your upper back) on the ball. Keep the knees bent at right angles.
- Exhale and lift your upper body by about 45 degrees, pulling the deep abs in toward the spine, and inhale to return to lower to the starting position. This completes one rep.
"This move really isolates your core," said Kaiser. It allows for a deeper burn and more effective workout. The support from the ball (which she recommends using in a "half deflated" state) protects your spine from the hard floor, in addition to protecting your lower back. So not only is it a better workout, but it's a safer one, too.