A couple of stolen exercises

That's right, stolen. And if not stolen, definitely borrowed with out permission. The important thing is, at least I'm being honest about it. In fact, here's the link to where I got them from.

Toe Tap - A Pilates Move That's Tougher Than It Sounds

Pilates classes are all about your midsection, so many pilates exercises can be great for core control, says Elizabeth Burwell, a personal trainer and owner of High Performance in Greenville, S.C..The toe tap, for instance, can deliver great results. To do it, lie on your back with your knees bent 90 degrees in a "table top" position, so your calves and shins are parallel to the floor. Without changing the bend in your knees – and, most importantly, without allowing any part of your lower back to arch up and lose contact with the floor -- lower one leg to the floor until your toe taps the ground. Bring it back to start, and lower the other leg. Try for 10 or more reps. Too easy? Double up: Lower both legs together, keeping the same bend in your knee as you lower and raise.

Leg Raise - Do This Core Move Every Day

For simple, total body fitness, Jared Meachem recommends his clients do three things: plank, crawl, and leg raise. The last one combines strength and balance. Lie face up with arms and legs straight. Keeping a natural curve in your spine, tighten your core and slowly raise your legs so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor. Return to start, and repeat. Try it on a bar: Hang with your hands directly above your shoulders, your body forming a straight line. Maintain a tight core as you bend your hips to lift your thighs up until they're at least parallel with the floor -- for an easier version, perform the move with bent knees.

Take Leg Raises to the Next Level

For a more difficult version of leg raises, keep your legs straight. And for a serious challenge, try to bring your feet up to the bar while maintaining a rigid torso and straight knees.