HOME WORKOUT - AB CRUNCH

Gaining and keeping a flat stomach doesn't need to be difficult, or expensive (those silly ab machines). Follow this routine like clock work each night while in front of the TV, combined with watching what you eat, you will be surprised how quickly you get results.

1. Lie down on the floor on your back and bend your knees, placing your hands behind your head or across your chest.
2. Pull your belly button towards your spine, and flatten your lower back against the floor.
3. Slowly contract your abdominals, bringing your shoulder blades about one or two inches off the floor.
4. Exhale as you come up and keep your neck straight, chin up.
5. Hold at the top of the movement for a few seconds, breathing continuously.
6. Slowly lower back down, but don't relax all the way.
7. Repeat for 15 to 20 repetitions, 3 to 5 sets, with perfect form for each rep.
8. To add variation, bring your knees in at the same time you lift your upper body off the floor (full body crunch)
9. To make it more difficult, balance on an exercise ball.

Tips:

1. To keep your neck in proper alignment, place your fist under your chin to keep your head from moving.
2. Keep your back flat against the floor throughout the entire movement.
3. If your back arches, prop your feet on a step or platform to make it easier.

MINI BEACHCOMBER

Mini Beachcomber

Recently displayed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the Mini Beachcomber concept, marks the next step in Mini’s development of a compact SUV. The Beachcomber is a design update to Mini’s original Crossover concept, unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, which was the first exhibit of Mini’s ideas for an SUV. The beachcomber sits on top of the same chassis and suspension as the earlier concept, which should also serve as the bedrock of a future production vehicle. A vehicle that will feature ample ground clearance and suspension travel, if the Beachcomber is any indication. Just as an idea of how far off the Beachcomber is from transitioning to production, Mini has yet to say what engine or transmission will be under the hood. One thing we know is that Mini has coined the name ALL4 for the featured All-Wheel-Drive system.

Aesthetically, the Beachcomber looks a lot more up to the task of competing with the Wrangler than its predecessor. Unlike the Crossover concept, which had quite the set of doors, the Beachcomber, apparently inspired by the Mini Moke, has shed loose all doors, save for half a tailgate. Attached to the tailgate segment is not an external spare-tire cover, but an extra storage compartment that just so happens to resemble an external spare-tire cover. Squared-off headlights, a smaller grill with inset rally lights, and a muscular hood bulge combine for a tough look. The inclusion of four full-size neoprene racing-style seats puts cargo room at a premium, but the rear seatbacks do fold back for more room. The instrumentation includes a compass and an inclinometer for off-road forays as well as an artificial horizon gauge for no practical reason at all.