GirlsGuideTo | Sneaky Slimmers: Crunch-Free Ab Moves

Who says you need a gym to work those six-pack abs? You don’t even need gym clothes! Be stealthy with these midriff toners that you can slip in to your routine any time, any place.

When You’re in the Car:
Tighten and release abs repeatedly at red lights. It's the ab equivalent of Kegels: a little move that yields results almost without your noticing.

When You’re at Your Desk:
Give belly pooch the pink slip with Pilates breathing: Gently suck in your gut as if you were buttoning a tight pair of jeans. Then breathe without allowing your abs to relax. Do this for 30 seconds. Repeat five times, advises Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Auburn University.

While You’re Working Out:
On the elliptical or treadmill, keep your back straight, head forward and abs tight. Perfect posture will target your tummy as you sizzle calories.

While You’re Walking the Dog:
Brace against leash tugging and banish your belly: Keeping torso upright with shoulders back, engage abs for five strides; relax them for five strides. Repeat until you're back at your front door, says Torri Shack, a trainer in Los Angeles. Check out your (bow) wow abs!

When You’re in Bed:
Count on compliments, not sheep, with this mattress move: Place palms right below belly button. Exhale and allow stomach to expand. Then inhale, pulling belly button toward spine, drawing abdomen toward the box spring. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat four times.

When You’re Lifting Weights:
Sit up straight! Slouching not only makes you look up to 10 pounds heavier, but it can also weaken ab muscles, undoing all those hours spent sculpting your abs in plank position. Keep your core activated and engaged anytime you're sitting down, by keeping your back straight and your shoulders back.

2 Inches Off, No moves needed!
Picking up your pace in any cardio session can streamline your midsection, according to researchers from the University of Virginia. Women who added three 20-minute high-intensity jogs or walks to their weekly walking routine lost an average of 2 inches from their waist over four months; those who stuck with less intense strolls lost only half an inch. Stepping up your sessions may release more fat-burning hormones, helping you trim faster.

{Thanks to Self for the tips!}