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Exercise equipment: a piece of machinery that is best at collecting dust and often used for decorative purposes only.

If that's your definition of exercise equipment, you're not alone. People go out and waste thousands of dollars on treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines and rarely (if ever) actually use them. You don't need exercise equipment to get a good workout - especially if you're just starting out!

Before you do anything else to build your muscles, you need to start with your core. That includes your stomach (abdominals), your lower sides (obliques) and lower back, and your bottom (glutes); without strength in those areas, you'll have a difficult time building up in other places.

You should work out your core areas several times a week; shoot for three or four times for each group. Every group needs time to recover, so don't work them out on back-to-back days. By breaking it up and having a little variety, you're also more likely to enjoy your workouts. You don't want to feel like you're in a rut, because that will kill your motivation. Start small, too - if you take on too much, you're likely to give up because it's too hard.

Before you start any exercise, make sure you're warmed up and stretched out (in that order) to prevent injury and undue soreness. Jog in place for about a minute before doing any stretching or exercising - that's sure to get the blood flowing and get you sufficiently warmed up. Stretch again when you're done; not only does it feel good, it also helps your muscles become healthier.

ABS
Think of these exercises as a free tummy tuck. Well, they'll cost you a little sweat (and maybe some tears) - but it's safer than getting cosmetic surgery. Besides, you can say you EARNED that sweet 6-pack and say goodbye to the keg you've been carrying around.

Lay face-down on a comfortable surface. Prop your upper body up on locked arms and look at the ceiling. If you're not feeling your abs stretch, move your arms farther back. You may look like a seal, but that's okay - that's totally "in" this exercise season. Hold this position for ten to twenty seconds, and relax. If you don't feel adequately stretched, repeat - but never hold for more than twenty seconds.

Different exercises:
1. Flip over so that you're lying on your back. With your legs stretched out, sit up and touch your toes (or get as close as you can). Lie back down, and do it all over again. Aim for at least ten repetitions at first, and do three sets of ten. Increase the numbers in

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