Okay, so we can’t have movie-star bodies like some of our favorite actors.  And, we can’t hit up Exhale Spa’s Core Fusion fitness classes in Hollywood.

“They come in a couple of weeks before a photo shoot or movie filming to make their bodies look better,” says Fred DeVito co-creator of the Exhale Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVDs.  However, these body-toner videos can do the same for you.

Upper-body toning side plank
Check out the Expert Village web site and watch a video to see how it’s done.

Here are written instructions.  Lie on your right side with your elbow directly under your shoulder and your hips and legs stacked.  With your right forearm and your feet facing forward, lift your body up, balancing it on your bottom arm and the side of your right foot.  Make sure your body creates a straight line.  Too challenging?  Bend your left knee and plant your foot in front of your right thigh.  Hold for 30 seconds and then switch sides.

Lower-body firming hinge position
Refer to the example picture on the right.

Here are written instructions.  Kneel with your knees wider than hips, feet pointed and firmly planted on the floor.  Pull in your abs and extend your arms in front of your shoulders.  Slowly lean back by pressing your pelvis up and lower your shoulders closer to the floor.  Create a straight line from knees to shoulders.  The farther back you hinge, the more challenging the exercise.  Slowly return to the upright position.  Repeat 10 times.

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