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[Deleted User] · February 2003

Hi all you fit people. Please can someone tell me the best stomach exercises for me? I want to strengthen my tummy muscles for two reasons: I have a very weak lower back and it should help, and, since having my daughter 13 years ago (whoops!)my tummy wobbles like a badly set jelly! All help appreciated.

cougie · February 2003

HAve you tried a Pilates class Sassie ?

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Hi Cougie, no, I haven't. I did yoga for a while but my back didn't appreciate it. I always tend to think of sit-ups for backs, but I know you have to be really careful with them.

cougie · February 2003

There was an article in (sssh whisper it) Running Fitness about 2 months ago all about Pilates. Editor found it v beneficial.

My wife teaches it, and she's got abs of steel now. She always has people in her class with back problems, and you must make the teacher aware that you have had them, then she'll alter the moves you are doing for safety.

Darn - she was gonna give me a class last night, but we forgot and watched TV instead !

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Thanks Cougie. I'll investigate.

[Deleted User] · February 2003

I use one of those ab rocker things. Seems to work well for me.. takes the strain off your back.

the S@ss

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Ooh, it's the other s's* person! Hello! What do you do with an ab rocker?

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Body Balance is possibly even better than Pilates, Sassie.

The Swiss ball is said to be very good. I'm going to give it a try with the personal trainer - my abs aren't bad strength-wise (the kids like to headbutt me in the tum and bounce off), but my posture needs a bit of work.

I had an ab rocker but gave it to a charity shop because it didn't justify the space it took up in the house. It's a device to make sure your head, neck and shoulders don't do all the work when you're doing sit-ups.

XFR Bear · February 2003

I'd have thought strengthening your stomach without doing work on your back might make the problem worse, as it would (I think) create more of an imbalance. I'm no expert, but I'm always hearing phrases at the gym about working the opposite muscle group.

[Deleted User] · February 2003

What's Body Balance please Vrap?

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Body Balance is a class (usually 45-60 minutes) of core strength and stability exercises, Sassie. I haven't had a chance to try it, but it's very popular at my gym.

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Can't find it as an individual item on the net, so I'll try some gyms. Thanks!

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Here's an alternative idea from someone who hasn't got time for more exercise at gyms etc, and just can't be @rsed to do sit-ups etc.
Try to stand straight and look at yourself sideways in the mirror. Do you slouch, with rounded shoulders? Bad posture makes your stomach seem worse, and pushes the small of your back in. Try relaxing, dropping your shoulders back and down and straightening your spine. You might have heard of the 'piece of string at the top of your spine', imagine it's pulling you upwards in a straight line. Now hold your stomach in and tense your muscles a little.
I try to remember to maintain good posture like this, and holding my stomach in, you probably automatically do this while you're running.
This has the advantage of not taking any extra time, and is good enough in my book!

[Deleted User] · February 2003

Laura, you started so well by saying: 'Try to stand straight and look at yourself sideways in the mirror'. Isn't that enough ?! Isn't that what most people do in the gym ?! Then you went on and started talking about spines, muscles, ...etc. Bah !

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