Banish belly fat

Is your belly more rippled than ripped? More of a two-four than a six pack? If so, tackle that ab flab every other day with this 15-minute exercise plan, which targets the muscles that support the spine as well as the abs. “Flat abs are virtually impossible to achieve without acquiring core strength—and that means hitting all key abdominal muscles—both back and front—in different ways,” explains Maureen Hagan, a fitness expert and physiotherapist in London, Ont.

A taut midsection not only looks hot, it goes a long way to reducing your likelihood of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. (If your waist currently measures more than 88 centimetres—or 35 inches—you’re at increased risk, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.) Research shows that excess abdominal fat can even disrupt the normal balance and functioning of certain hormones. So do this fitness plan every other day, add cardio three to five times a week, eat well and say good-bye to belly bulge, forever.