The word crunch is rarely a good thing. Credit crunch. Time crunch. Number crunch. And last but not least stressful: crunches, the dreaded tummy toners that so many of us sweat through day after day. But for all of you who have huffed and puffed through sit-ups in search of flat abs, it's time to exhale: You can achieve an amazing middle without one measly crunch. Experts say that strength moves requiring balance target those tough-to-reach transverse abdominis (the key to the elusive six-pack) more effectively than more conventional ab toners. (Which is great news for people like me, who would rather fold 12 loads of laundry than do an excruciating set of sit-ups.)

To help you sculpt a slim middle, try these fast, easy moves. You'll need something to create an unstable surface, such as folded bath towels or a BOSU ball at your gym. (Watch a full how-to demo at Self.com.) Do two sets of each move up to three times a week on alternate days, and prepare to confidently bare your newly lean belly.

Note: For the fastest results, get your heart pumping with at least 30 minutes of cardio most days of the week. Research shows that aerobic exercise triggers your body to convert abdominal fat into fuel. Get set to get ab fab!

MOVE 1: Lunge-up
With left foot on towel or BOSU, lower into lunge, knee over ankle, thigh parallel to ground, right knee bent with heel raised, hands on hips. As you straighten left leg, push off ball of right foot, bringing right thigh in front and parallel to ground, balancing on towels or BOSU ball. Slowly return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

MOVE 2: Get-lean lift
Stand with feet hip-width apart, towels under right foot, arms down. Raise arms to sides at shoulder level as you engage abs, then slowly extend left leg to side as high as you can. Slowly return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

MOVE 3: Power plank
Start in plank position, forearms resting on towels or BOSU ball, hips lifted, legs behind you, resting on toes. Hold pose as long as you can; work up to 60 seconds. Lower to knees; repeat twice.

MOVE 4: Shaky squat
Stand on towels or BOSU ball with feet hip-width apart, knees soft, arms down. Engage abs and raise arms to shoulder level for balance as you slowly squat as low as you can. Return to start. Do 12 reps.

MOVE 5: Tree 2.0
Stand with right foot on towels, sole of left foot pressed inside left shin, knee out and palms pressed in front of chest. Engage abs and hold pose. If you can, slowly extend arms overhead, then lower. Hold up to 30 seconds as you maintain balance. Switch sides; repeat.

MOVE 6: Turbo twist
Start in push-up position, with ball of left foot on towels and right leg raised in line with hips. Engage abs, bringing right knee toward left armpit. Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

MOVE 7: The gymnast
Sit with legs extended, heels on BOSU or towels, wrists directly below shoulders with palms flat on ground, fingers pointing forward. Lift hips off ground. Maintain hip lift as you engage abs and raise left leg as high as you can. Slowly return to start. Repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 12 reps.

Want to firm your belly right now, as you sit reading this? Try inching your body away from the chair back and straighten for up to 10 minutes. Imagine there's wet paint on the seat back. Repeat once for each hour you sit, and soon the vision of you with sleek, sexy abs will be reality. For a 30-day belly-busting plan with tips and workouts, try the Flat Abs Fast! Tip-a-Day Makeover at Self.com.