Pool posers need fab abs

A fab set of abs offers a number of important benefits, including protection for our internal organs, help with breathing, and the maintenance of good posture, which can help reduce low back pain.

But summer's here, and it's those poolside posing points we're really after. For most of us, a visibly taut, toned tum depends as much on diet as on exercise. So although I've listed three really effective midriff toning exercises, you'll also need to be eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and lean protein, and including regular cardiovascular work.

Activate your deeper abdominals (tightening the area between your hip bones) and limit any movement of your lower back throughout.

Plank: Start on hands and knees, drop forearms onto floor and walk knees back until shoulders are directly above elbows and back is flat. Hold, tuck in tailbone and squeeze glutes. Now lift knees off floor keeping back flat. Hold for 1-2 mins without back sagging.

Marching: Lie on back, legs in tabletop position (knee directly above hip, shin parallel to floor). Slowly lower one leg, touching toes to floor and raise it back up. As leg lowers, make sure back and hips don't move, and that abdominals don't dome up. Alternate legs for 1 min, then rest and repeat.

Alternate oblique curl and leg extension: Lie on back with knees bent and one leg in tabletop position. With hands behind head, and elbows wide, slowly draw ribs towards hips, curl head and shoulders off the floor and rotate torso towards raised knee. As you return to the centre and roll down, slowly extend raised leg and hold for a second. Lower extended leg to start position, then repeat the exercise on the other side. Repeat until your abs beg you to stop - then do one more on each side.

See you by the pool.