Practical abs and yoga exercises

Here are some simple abdominal exercises from Tracy Anderson; another trainer I like to keep up with.  All you need for this workout are a mat, and some sort of stable resistance prop, such as a wall (like me, if you're inside) or tree (which Tracy uses in the video).

With any type of core work, it's really important to make sure you stretch equally the other way by working your back muscles; so, I followed Tracy's exercises up with at least 40+ reps of 'Superman', then did a good amount of stretching (Upward facing dog, into Downward facing dog, into Cat & Cow, and then Child's pose).

Variations of the Superman pose

 

Dhanurasana - Bow pose

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana - Upward Facing Dog pose

 Ushtrasana - Camel/Backbend pose

Urdhvadhanurasana - Upward Bow Pose

Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward Facing Dog pose

 Source of above B&W images: Flickr (user Loratliff)

and finish with Balasana - Child's pose Source: Flickr (user purlingplans)