"The FitBall is the absolute best thing that can happen to your abs," says JENNIFER DELUCA, owner of Body Tonic fitness studio in Brooklyn. The following ball workout requires just 30 reps. Start with 10 crunches. Lie with your lower back on the ball, legs extended in a V. Clasp hands behind your head, arch your back over the ball and come up to just above parallel. Next 10 reps: Lie on the floor, draw your legs up to a 90-degree angle and place the ball between your calves (as shown above). Lower the ball toward the floor 12 inches, then return to 90 degrees. Last 10 reps: Lift the ball straight up toward the ceiling, drawing your butt off the floor.

For more information check out the
Feb. 2001 issue of Self Magazine