This awesome abs exercise comes from a core focused yoga sequence by Tara Stiles. What's so great about this move is that it works both the upper and lower abs.

1. Lie on your back, tucked into a ball, making sure to glue your lower back to the floor.
2. Extend your legs and arms straight into the air. Round your back as much as possible and reach for your toes.
3. Extend your legs in front of you, and arms straight behind your head. Keep your heels hovering just above the ground and lower back glued to the floor.
4. Come back into a ball and repeat for 12 total reps.

Watch Tara Stiles "Crazy Core Building Routine" here.

The reason why I initially got into yoga was because I needed some way to stretch and avoid injuries from running, without actually stretching.  Through my journey in doing yoga, I have absolutely fallen in love with the practice. It has not only opened my shoulders, hips, and hammies, but also my mind. Yoga allows the body and mind to work together, become strong, and flow freely.  

Repeat this move for 20 reps, and incorporate into your abs routine.  

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich 

The extended hand-to-big-toe pose challenges your balance and flexibility.  It is a great hip opener and helps you to find your center of gravity.  I have found this pose to be extremely helpful in loosening up my hips, hamstrings, and calves from my running.

To come out of the pose, bend the right knee, and slowly lower the right leg to the ground, finding mountain pose.  Repeat on the other side.

When I first began yoga, I never dreamed of accomplishing arm balances such as this one.  The more I went to classes and practiced, it became a euphoric addiction to push myself to the next level and use my inner and outer strength to trust myself and come into poses like firefly.  I learned, that with the right attitude and appropriate steps taught by my instructors, anything is possible... so, you can do it too!  Try the below steps.

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich