We're constantly bombarded with the news that America is fat. It's exhausting.
You walk, but there must be other ways to work in extra activity. How about when you're in bed? Yes, you can whittle down your waistline without even getting up.
"In Pilates, there is a series of ab exercises that are just as effective when you do them on a bed," says New York City-based Denise Harris, NASM-PT.
For those days when you want to keep up your healthy habits but are having a hard time with your get-up-and-go, here's a sampling of her exercises, plus a few more. (Get more tummy-tightening moves with Prevention's Fit In 10 DVD.)
1. Single-Leg Stretch
1 of 5Lie on your back with your sit bones (that's Pilates for "butt") near the edge of the bed. Bring your legs up with your knees bent until your thighs are pointing toward the ceiling and your lower legs are parallel with the floor.
Curl your shoulders up and rest your hands on the outside of your knees. Exhale as you extend your right leg straight out, parallel to the floor, keeping your left leg bent. Hold for 4 seconds, return to starting position, and then repeat with the opposite leg. (Too challenging? Omit the shoulder raise.)
Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions on each leg.
2. Double-Leg Stretch
2 of 5Lie on your back with your sit bones near the edge of the bed and your knees bent. Your shoulders should be raised in a partial curl position.
With your knees bent, bring your legs up until your thighs are pointing toward the ceiling and your lower legs are parallel with the floor. Rest your hands on the outside of your knees.
Exhale and reach your arms overhead while simultaneously extending your legs out until you're balanced on your sit bones in a relaxed "V." Inhale and return to the starting position.
Do for 30 seconds or 10 to 12 repetitions.
3. Scissors
3 of 5Another Harris favorite: Lie on your back with your sit bones near the edge of the bed. Extend both legs up toward the ceiling with your toes pointed.
Curl up at the shoulders and reach your hands up on your legs toward your ankles. (If your hamstrings are tight, keep a slight bend in your knees.) As you exhale for two counts, drop your left leg down until it's parallel to the floor while holding your right leg behind the knee.
Inhale and release your right leg and let it drop as you scissor up with your left. Grasp behind your left knee. (For more stretch, slide your hands up toward your ankle as your knee comes toward your chest.) Hold for a moment, then continue to scissor your legs.
Do for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Leg Drop
4 of 5Lie on your back with your sit bones near the edge of the bed. Extend both legs up toward the ceiling with your toes pointed and arms at your sides for support.
Slowly drop your legs until you reach a 45-degree angle to the floor, taking care to keep your lower back flat and pressed against the bed. Hold for a moment, then return to the starting position.
Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article