Help...need ab exercises

[Maridw]

I have a dance recital in 3 weeks and need some exercises to help me tone up my abs and love handles. I have put on 5 lbs since December and have that muffin top look that I really don't want to show in my costumes.

In some costumes it won't show, but now I found out that instead of the costume I was going to wear for my solo, I will be wearing something different. The original costume was one I have had and worn before, but sometime ago. The costume I am going to wear was ordered for the owner's daughter. (The owner is my best friend and her daughter picked out a different costume and she really wants me to wear the other costume).

Anyone have some exercises that I can do to tone those areas up?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Cardio, situps and pushups. They will tone your whole core. Up your protein intake and lower your carb intake. Drink lots of water and a cup of green tea a day.
Good luck!

 

[clarabelle]

You can't really spot reduce.
Just eat less and exercise (cardio) more. I know I make it sound easy -and it isn't.

Sit ups will give you good firm muscles -but it won't take the extra fat away.

 

[Anewman]

You can't really spot reduce.

Agree 100 percent.

 

[paintnolish]

The plank! http://exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises_10.htm
Also, eat a little less and drink plenty of water. If nothing else, it will boost your confidence! Good luck!

 

[RunningGirl]

Look for the CoreMax workout on FitTV and tivo it - love that one!

 

[redlight]

There's a saying about good abs coming from the kitchen, meaning that diet is important.

 

[HunnyPots]

Drastically reduce your fat intake and increase your water consumption while adding some good cardio workouts. All the crunches in the world will not get rid of belly fat...

 

[Maridw]

I dance Mon, Tues & Thurs (Tap, Ballet & occassionally Jazz). Since we are close to recital, we actually added the Tues class and a Sat class.

When I was in a different position at work, I would walk every day to the post office, only 1/2 mile round trip, but at least I walked it every day - except when it was pouring. I actually miss doing that because I knew that I was getting the exercise in addition to the dancing.

Thank you for all the suggestions. I might be telling my best friend's daughter that I will wear the costume if she helps keep me motivated to do some additional exercises.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Usually with short term stomach exercising, the stomach looks a littel bigger for the first weeks or months.