Flatten Your Abs with This Move from TV Star Maria Menounos

by SELF Staffers

Tyler Boye
Tyler Boye

If you want to know what it's like to have a super jampacked schedule and still manage to stay active, just take a cue from Maria Menounos. The Extra host just started up her Oxygen reality show last week (Chasing Maria Menounos) and has a second diet and fitness book coming out this summer!

When it comes to staying in shape, Menounos embraces a simple mantra: "Just keep moving!" The reality star, who opts for stairs and stretches during business calls, takes after her dad. "My father, at 70, never stops moving," she says. "He does yard work with his headphones on, dancing and singing to Greek music."

See more: 6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs

One move she does with trainer Andrea Orbeck is the bench v-up: all you need is a park bench! "I like this move because it's a great overall toner, and it's fun!" says the EveryGirl's Guide to Diet & Fitness author.

And we like it because we're total fans of getting folks outside (weather permitting!) with new ideas for how to turn your park into a gym. And if there's a move (that's not a crunch or plank) that tighten up our core, we're all ears!

See more: Look Better Naked

THE MOVE: Bench V-Ups
Works: Abs, Core, Lower Back

V-Up Move: Elise Donoghue
V-Up Move: Elise Donoghue


Perch your butt at the edge of the bench, holding the back rest for stability. Lean back enough to pull your legs into your chest and balance just off your tailbone.

V-Up Move: Elise Donoghue
V-Up Move: Elise Donoghue


Contact your abs pulling into a ball and extend your legs as you lean back. Maintain a slightly arched back for 20 reps for a minimum of 2 sets.

More from SELF:
Drop Two Pounds in One Week!
20 Superfoods For Weight Loss
Secrets To Firing Up Your Metabolism