The Hundred
The hundred is a move borrowed from Pilates. Lie flat on the floor with your eyes to the ceiling and your arms by your side. Taking a deep breath, draw your legs up to a 45-degree angle as you raise your head and shoulder blades off the ground. Gaze at your navel as you bring your arms in line with your shoulders. Raise and lower your arms in rhythm to your breathing as you slowly inhale and exhale five times.
Sit-ups, Crunches and Reverse Crunches
Lie beside your bed with your knees bent. Cross your arms across your chest. Sit up, bringing your chest to your knees until your crossed arms touch your knees.
Crunches are similar but can be easier on the lower back. To do a crunch, start in the same position as a sit-up, but sit-up only until the shoulder blades leave the floor. Do as many as you can for one minute. Rest, then repeat once more.
Reverse crunches are just as effective and just as easy on the lower back. With your legs raised and pointing toward the ceiling, lift your legs toward the ceiling while keeping your upper body on the ground.
The Corpse
Don’t be frightened by the title of this exercise. It is actually a yoga pose, noted for bringing relaxation to the body. Because stress has been shown to increase belly fat by increasing the hormone cortisol, reducing stress is an important part of the path to a flatter stomach. To assume this pose, lie on your back with your feet and arms slightly apart. With your eyes closed, focus on your body. Let it sink into the ground. Focus on your breathing. Bring yourself to total relaxation.