Funny-looking exercises you should be doing

The open-leg rocker is not only great for strengthening your core, it also challenges your balance, flexibility, and coordination — three important aspects of fitness we often neglect. Sit with a straight back, tight core, and knees bent in front of chest. Lift feet so you’re balancing on your sit bones. If this feels challenging, you can do the roll from here. To make it harder (and get the full embarrassing effect), extend both legs straight out in a V, grabbing each ankle or calf. Once you’re stable, roll onto your back, engaging your core the entire time, and then roll back up to balance on your rear without letting go of your legs. 

This type of squat helps open your hips, aligns your spine, and stretches out your inner thighs. You can hold it in the down position for a relaxing stretch, or you can stand up and repeat the squat to sculpt your butt, hamstrings, and inner thighs. Place your feet wider than hip width, knees and toes pointing out to the sides. Tuck your pelvis under and squat down as deeply as you can. Place your elbows inside your legs and gently push out to increase the stretch. 

Unlike traditional on-your-back exercises (crunches), this novel abs exercise forces you to engage your hip flexors to compensate for poor form, keeping all the work in your core. Plus, the added weight means you can do fewer reps for faster results. Kneel in front of a cable machine, free motion machine, or a resistance band anchored to something high. Grab a handle in each hand, pull your core in tight, and then round forward until your head touches the floor (or until you can’t go any further). Return to the starting position and repeat. 

This pose is good for more than just relieving bloat. You’ll feel the stretch down your inner legs, butt, and back. Try rolling side to side for a nice spinal massage. Lie face up on the floor and bring your knees up to your chest, feet up towards the ceiling. Spread your knees as far apart as you comfortably can. Grab the inside of each foot and pull down until you feel a stretch.