A Flat Belly — Fast

BY JORGE CRUISE

Do these four exercises for eight minutes in the morning, and you'll soon be the belle of the beach

Ready to look your best this summer? I've created a whittle-your-middle workout plan that can help you trim up to three inches off your tummy in one month (no sit-ups required). Combine these moves with a low-calorie diet, and you may need to shop for a smaller swimsuit.

My eight-minute exercise routine targets four different ab zones — an approach that's a must for tightening your tummy. Why? The more muscles you build, the faster your metabolism will work and, ultimately, the more calories you'll burn.

Here's how the plan works: Three days a week, you'll do the exercises. Before you begin each morning, warm up by marching or jogging in place for a minute to raise your heart rate and to loosen up your muscles. Then do each move for one minute. Move on to the next exercise immediately so that you do all four back-to-back. After you've finished, repeat the moves again from the beginning.

Kneel on the floor in the table position, with your weight resting on your hands and knees (see photo). Keep your back flat. Inhale while pushing your belly out at the same time. Then exhale while pulling your stomach in. Hold for three seconds. Repeat for a minute.

Lie facedown on the floor with your legs extended, your body propped up by your forearms. Slowly lift your torso and legs so that only your forearms and the balls of your feet touch the floor (see photo). To prevent your tummy from sagging down, contract the stomach muscles. Hold for 10 seconds (it's okay if you can't hold for that long). Gradually work your way up to a minute.