question

[Sateri]

So I had a bit of a question ... I saw the arms thread, and though, hmm, what about stomach or waist area? I don't really know many exercises to exercise those.

I accumulate most of my weight in my stomach area, and so far it seems most of the weight I've lost has come from everywhere but there. Starting to feel a little out of proportion, actually.

I know I can't spot reduce or anything, but are there any other exercises to exercise those muscles so they're stronger at least? Unfortunately I hate crunches, so I never seem to be able to stick to them ... plus I'm never sure if I'm doing them properly, they seem to hurt my neck a lot ... any suggestions? Or is there some way I can do DDR and get my stomach a decent workout?

Thanks.

[abrannan]

Sateri said:

plus I'm never sure if I'm doing them properly, they seem to hurt my neck a lot ...

If your neck is hurting, you're doing them wrong. Do this, when you lie back for your crunch, focus on a spot on the ceiling directly above your head. As you do your crunches, keep your eyes on the spot, and try to lift your head straight up. It'll take a lot fo the strain off your neck.

[StarDrifter]

Sateri, I have this fear that the stomach may be the last to go. I'm having the same thing happen.

It's more than commonly said around these boards that you can't spot reduce. That said, it seems the only thing we can do is keep at it over time to slim our stomaches.

[urbanjunglekitten]

Spot reducing aside, if you have time and don't mind being in inordinate amounts of pain after the first two or three sessions, I would recommend pilates to those of you who want a strong set of abs and other core muscles. It won't shrink your stomach, but having a strong core (abs and back muscles in your torso) helps with back problems and will, eventually, help acheive that flat tummy we all want (once all the excess chub is gone. I have a long way to go before that happens.)

Pilates was created by a man named Joseph H. Pilates who worked out these exercises as a way to rehabilitate injured soldiers and internees from WWI. www.thepilatescenter.com/jhpilates.htm

Check your local Walmart/Kmart/Target for a DVD or video. I have the Gaiam DVD's, (Pilates for Weight Loss http://www.gaiam.com), and find them relatively easy to use. They have 3 levels of intensity (kind of like DDR): beginner, intermediate, and advanced. They modify the exercises so they are easier to do in whatever condition you are in.

Also, check into local community colleges to see if there are pilates classes running during the semester. Sometimes having someone tell you what to do on a DVD isn't as clear as having someone beside you showing you what your body is supposed to be doing.

UJKitten

[nonskanse]

Sometimes I feel just as bad as the people who lose their bellies last. The first thing to come and the last thing to go for me is the thighs. I know there is no spot-reducing... but it is frustrating to feel so out of proportion compared to your normal self.

Is there any evidence other than that of our eyes that some people store fat in certain areas more than others, and so its not entirely an illusion when we notice our bodies getting thinner in general but not in one area?

[ddrChick]

Have you tried doing crunches on a stability ball? I have the neck problem too, but my neck is fine when I use a stability ball.

[Sateri]

No, I don't have a stability ball ... but I tried crunches tonight the way Abrannan said to do them, and my neck didn't hurt, so that's all good.

Hmm, so Pilates do work? I've heard of them, and a friend of mine has them, but I've never tried them. I'll look into it.

Oh, another quick question I had. Is it best to do crunches every day? That would make the most sense to me, but my Dad said something about how doing crunches is best every other day so your muscle cells have time during your off day to break down and then build up stronger than they were before (or something like that). I don't know where he heard that so I was just wondering if anyone else could confirm or disprove that for me.

[abrannan]

Your abs are muscles like any others, so the same rules apply. I'd do every other day, to allow for rebuild and repair. Of course that's only if you're doing a proper intensity workout. If you're just tossing up 20-30 crunches for muscle tone maintenance, you can go every day.


Remember that doing crunches only works the upper third of your abs. If all you do are crunches, you're neglecting your obliques (muscles to the sides of your abs), lower and middle abs.

[frantep16]

Hmm...I thought I heard that abs was the one area you could safely work everyday. But taking a rest won't hurt either. Especially because if you do them right, you won't be able to do another crunch for a few days, anyway!

[shannonbutton]

I have a question...What are some other exercises to work the other areas of the abdomen?

[Paintballer01]

Well I have no problem working out my abs i looked in the attic the other day and found a machine called the torso track awsome ab workout

[abrannan]

Targetted exercises for abs:

Upper abs - crunches
Obliques - Same crunch motion, but lay your knees off to one side or the other (the lower half of your body will be twisted)
Lower abs - Leg raises, lay flat on your back, legs straight out, hands tucked under your butt. Lift your legs straight up, don't bend your knees, lower till your legs are about 6 in off the ground and repeat
Full ab length - Full body crunches. lay flat, hands behind your head, then bring your whole body together, knees up and touch elbows to knees, extend back out, but don't let you feet of hands touch the floor. repeat.