Flutter Kicks for Core

• Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing down. Lift your legs off the floor about 6 inches.

• Keeping your legs straight and together, raise one leg up until it's about a foot off the ground. As you lift it, point your toes.

• As you lower that leg back down, raise the other leg up to meet it so your legs "flutter." Your legs should never touch the ground.

• Keep your head and shoulders on the floor. Don't lift your hips. Focus on keeping your core engaged and back flat on the floor.

• Move your legs up and down in a quick, continuous scissor-like "fluttering" motion. Start slowly and work up to a quicker pace.

• Breathe steadily as you perform the flutters. Inhale as you lower your legs, exhale as you lift them.

• Go for 30-60 seconds per set, resting briefly between sets. Work your way up to sets of 1-3 minutes.

• For added difficulty, place your arms straight out from your sides or across your chest. You can also add ankle weights.