Tighten your tummy

Here is a great tummy tightening exercise that is making the rounds in Hollywood. Lie on your back with your left hand behind your neck and your right arm straight out at your side. Keeping your right leg extended straight out in front of you bend the left knee so that the sole of your foot is flat on the floor. Use only your tummy muscles to lift your torso up about eight to ten inches off the floor as you raise your right leg and twist to bring the left elbow towards the right knee. Do this slowly and strongly. Then slowly lower leg and torso at the same time. Do not arch your back. It should stay pressed to the floor! Do ten in total and then switch sides for ten more. Rest a minute and repeat.

To Improve Physical Fitness:

1. Do a squat every time you pick something up. Instead of bending over in the usual way, which stresses the lower back, bend your knees and squat. This forces you to use your leg muscles and will build strength.

2. Every time you stop at a traffic light (or the bus does), tighten your thighs and butt muscles and release as many times as you can. (Don't worry, no one will see it!) This will firm leg and buttock muscles, improve blood flow -- and keep you mildly amused!

3. Whenever you're standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes.