Need some really great Exercises for

[Melisa1]

Stomach and abs!

I am doing fine on my weight loss and do my walk away the pounds exercise dvd's daily but the abs aren't getting in as good of shape as I want them.
I will be having a hysterectomy in late February and want to get them in the best shape I can by then. I do crunches every day, I have added in the bicycle exercise where you lay on the floor and peddle. and have added the flutter kicks (which kill me).
Can you all give me some more things to do that will help me get them into shape quicker?
Thanks!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Pilates, Pilates, Pilates! Go to the library there are books you can look at for Pilates.

DVD, Pilates for Dummies and here is a link to the recent question about Pilates.

I must say, you WILL be amazed at your progress once you begin.

Good job on your becoming healthier!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I do the 8 minute Abs video! It's so cheesy but you can really feel the burn. You do it every day for 8 minutes. I bought mine from amazon.com as it's not made anymore. I feel and see a difference in my abs doing it every day in about a week and half to two weeks.

 

[AmyBeth68]

I agree with Lily....PILATES . And yes, I'm totally biased as I teach Pilates. I just happen to know the benefits of careful, cautious and precise mat Pilates exercises. The basis is that you don't do as many repetions instead, you do smaller numbers more precisely and with greater focus. Trust me, this stuff works and it's great for your back, hips, legs and arms too .

 

[ohMom]

another one coming to post -- pilates

yoga is beneficial to work your 'core' which strengths your abs too

reverse crunchers work the lower abs -- lay on your back and either have legs straight up or feet crossed (loosely) and pull your abs towards your spine which will lift (not very much) your rear end up off the floor

lay on your back with legs extended straight up towards ceiling, feet together and slowly lower your legs (keep feet together) and then slowly raise back to start position

don't give up!!!

 

[Melisa1]

Thanks!

 

[ckay87]

Am I allowed to say Pilates also? I mean, you don't know how many core muscles you have until you do Pilates. I do it once a week and it just sucks it all in (for lack of a better description!)

In addition, it increases your flexibility and overall core strength, reducing the possibility of injuring yourself doing other exercises or activities. In improves your posture and balance, which always does wonders for your overall appearance.

If you can do a class with a good instructor, that is better than any DVD or book, IMO. In my class, it's beautiful the way the instructor moves you from one exercise to another, warming up muscle groups, increasing intensity gradually. She'll go around and correct our moves (because as another poster said, doing it properly is the key.)

Good luck!

 

[Raenstoirm]

Another pilates fan here, but my trainer has given me some good ones.

Lines-pretend there is a line going through the middle of both your feet when you are in the basic sit-up position. So lean to your right and touch the line, then so your left and keep going. My trainer refers to this and the squiggles.

Pilate's sit up. Hold your body in a straight line on the floor and SLOWLY sit up keeping your arms stretched from the tip of your head and your legs straight. Make sure to keep your legs on the ground.

V hold-just as it sounds, make your body look like a V and hold for as long as you can.

Reverse sit up- already mentioned above- lift your butt as opposed to your shoulders.

Flutters-bicycle- you already know

Plank- hold your body on your forearms and toes with a straight back as long as you can.

There is also the general leg lift. start on your back with your legs straight up and slowly lower them about a foot (more if you can without hurting your back) and bring them back to start.

And don't forget when doing all this to strengthen your back as well. Supermans are great. Lay on your stomach and lift your arms and legs up like you are superman flying.