Some women are under the impression that they’ll bulk up if they strength-train. This isn’t the case. In actuality, strength-training helps boost metabolism and maintain lean muscle mass as we age.

This core-based workout uses body weight and forces the synergy of multiple muscle groups. It improves balance, agility, flexibility, and power to maintain a healthy physique, fend off disease, and fight off the effects of ageing.

Do 3 sets 4 times a week.

Side Plank Crunch

How to:

  • Lie on left side with left hand on floor beneath left shoulder, right fingers behind head; let inside of right foot rest on floor in front of left foot.
  • Tighten abs; push into left hand to lift body so it forms a diagonal line from head to heels.
  • Crunch forward and down, bringing right elbow to left elbow; return to starting position.
  • Do 10 reps; switch sides and repeat.

Related article: 6 Standing Abs Exercises For A Sexy Six-Pack And Slender Body Sculpt

One Armed Mountain Climber

How to:

  • Bend knees and place left hand on floor below centre chest; come onto balls of feet.
  • Step right foot forward; extend left leg back.
  • Keeping upper body still, alternate leg positions, landing on both forefeet simultaneously; let right arm move back and forth naturally.
  • Continue for 30 seconds, then switch arms and repeat.

Related article: 13 of the Best Obliques Exercises To Compliment Your Abs For A Smoking Hot Body

Plyo Side Lunge With Touch Down

How to:

  • Stand with both feet facing forward, double shoulder-width apart.
  • Hop left leg out and bend knee (keep it behind toes) to come into side lunge; at same time, keeping chest lifted, bring right hand down to tap the floor in front.
  • Push into left foot to hop up; drop into side lunge on opposite side with left hand touching floor; that’s 1 rep.
  • Do 20 reps.

Related article: 6 Exercises for Lower Abs That Will Set Your Core on Fire

Leg Kick Into Single Leg Pike Press

How to:

  • Start on all fours, hands and knees shoulder-width, toes tucked.
  • Lift hips to come into Downward Dog; lift right leg up and back.
  • Move body forward and down into plank with leg raised; bend right knee.
  • Bring it forward toward chest, out to side, then forward to meet right elbow.
  • Straighten leg, return to Downward Dog; that’s 1 rep.
  • Do 10 reps; switch sides and repeat.

Related article: A Curvaceous Core Workout for Flat Abs in Only 4 Simple Moves

Push Up Into Unstable Plank

How to:

  • Come into push-up position with feet hip-width apart, hands directly under shoulders, and body in straight line from head to heels.
  • Inhale and bend elbows to lower body toward the floor.
  • Exhale and explode back up, raising left arm and right leg at top of push-up so they’re parallel to floor.
  • Repeat on opposite side; that’s 1 rep.
  • Do 10 reps.