10 Easy Exercises You Can Do At Home and Still Get in Good Shape

This move from Natalie Uhling, a trainer in New York City and creator of the NUFit method, is extra-powerful and can be knocked out while you wait for water to boil. It targets the obliques—the muscles on your sides that help cinch your waist.

Step 1: Stand with your right hand on the edge of the counter and walk out until your body is at a 45-degree angle. Stack your feet and raise your left arm out to your side.

Step 2: Twist your torso to the right, reaching through the open space between your body and the counter with your left hand. Do three sets of 15; repeat on the other side.

You could do regular crunches all day long and they'd never be as effective as this exercise from Andrea Mitchell, a Pilates and yoga instructor in New York City. Bonus: You can take a quick snooze right after. Working out just got more relaxing.

Step 1: Lie on your back with your legs raised, knees straight; bring your belly button toward your spine. Lace your fingers behind your head and curl your shoulders up.

Step 2: Exhale and draw your abs in as you crunch toward your thighs, reaching for your feet. Inhale and drop one to two inches, then crunch again. Repeat 20 times.

All you need is this clever move from Scottsdale, AZ–based trainer Jolene Goring. It'll tone those trouble spots in your upper back—and give you great shoulders.

Step 1: Stand up straight and pull your belly button toward your spine, arms at your sides. Hold a grocery bag or some other type of weight in each hand.

Step 2: Roll your shoulders in semicircles: first up, then back (squeezing your shoulder blades together) and down. Do 10 reps, then repeat in the other direction.

Start with this move from trainer Tara Romeo, assistant director of the Professional Athletic Performance Center in Garden City, NY. It works the muscles that help minimize "bra bulge," which can make you feel like you're spilling out of a suit.

Step 1: Stand with an inflatable ball (or a Pilates ring, if you have one) between your left arm and hip. Bring your shoulders back and down, and pull your belly button toward your spine.

Step 2: Concentrate on the muscle under your bra band on the left side and pulse your arm toward your body, keeping your arm and wrist straight. Do three sets of 10, then repeat on the other side.

It's never been easier than with this booty- and thigh-sculpting move from Andrea Rogers, founder and creator of Xtend Barre. All you need is a chair, railing, or countertop you can use for support. Tutu optional.

Step 1: Stand tall with your feet in first position—heels together, toes no more than six inches apart. Bend your knees softly, then extend your left leg back, with your toes pointed and the inside of your big toe touching the ground.

Step 2: Lift your back leg slightly, pushing your hips forward in opposition. Pulse your leg upward as far as you can (you shouldn't feel pain in your lower back). Continue pulsing for eight counts, working up to 16. Then switch sides.

If you spend time slumped over a smartphone (oh, you do?), you need this posture-enhancing move from Los Angeles–based trainer Valerie Waters. It'll ease back and neck pain and make you seem slimmer, too.

Step 1: Stand against a wall with your feet about a foot in front of you. Pull your belly button toward your spine and pin your shoulders back. Everything from your tailbone up—including your hands, elbows, and head—should be pressed against the wall.

Step 2: Raise your arms along the wall until your hands come together at the top of your head (it's like making a snow angel). Move your arms at a pace that feels comfortable to you—just be careful not to let your upper body leave the wall. Lower your arms again, and repeat 10 times.

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