[BamSaitinypap]

For those of you new to the balance ball, here's a tidbit of info. When you first start using it, you will likely be keeping your feet fairly far apart to give you better balance. As you get used to the ball and develop core strength, you can begin to bring your feet closer together. You will eventually be able to balance with your feet and knees touching. What's the purpose? Core strength! It's your foundation.

[citalopram]

he he :wink:

I haven't been on in a couple of days, because of my crazy schedule, but I have been keeping up on the workouts.. (even moved 3 bedrooms worth of furniture around this weekend,, yes,, by myself.)

Yes, I love lifting weights and working out,, but just for beginners,, I would still recommend the KISS method.. simple calesthenics, and free weights are definitely were it is at.

There is a great workout that is done by the preparatory LAPD, that is very similar to bootcamp,, the only difference is that they teach you how to build up to your potential. It has a full schedule of exactly what to do, and "I" guarantee you will get results. I've had so much other stuff in my life lately,, and my already strenous workouts, that I've resorted back to the basics in the last couple of weeks (with some added free weights) and am now pushing out 50 pushups without a problem, in a single set.. AND I'M A GIRL!!!! (my next goal is 50 diamonds he he)

Go to this website, and read the details of what to do.
http://www.lacity.org/PER/tips.htm

follow it to a T... (even if you don't like running, that's ok.. walk instead, but make sure you are getting your heartrate up because other wise you are not going to be burning any fat, and you aren't going to improve your cardio vascular system,, and it's all necessary to our way of life)

You will get results,, and you will progress,,, and you will start seeing a difference in just a couple of weeks. In two weeks time, you will feel stronger,, and in 3-4 weeks time,, you will see it in the mirror, in addition to the weight loss.. no to mention the added weight loss benefit that building muscle has on raising metabolism, and burning fat.. that's just a given.

[euylvaygdq]

I hope Evryday sees this - she is a weight lifting fan and can offer some great advise!

my motto has been "Just MOVE!"

[casinobonuscxz]

Monique you are so right! Plus as you start out, you may want to have something to hold onto nearby just in case you can't get your balance! I learned that the hard way, emphasis on "hard"!

[kabelshik]

Mom, when I first started using a fitball, the people in the gym used to clear a big circle around me. I came off that thing in every direction. Now I'm pretty well balanced on it and often use it as a chair when I sew. The constant balancing is a subtle but good workout.

[WaydayTew]

Light weight lifting will produce muscle where you want it. Your muscles all over will be toned and much stronger too. Light weights can produce the best improvement in form and strength of any exercise.

Specifically for the abdominals, a friend of mine who was a coach for years, does the "crunches." That is the situp where you do not go all the way up, just about halfway. That evidently gets the most out of each movement.

Good Luck!

[beckercpa]

I had physical therapy for my back, so I needed to strengthen my abdominals. We did work with a balance/exercise ball. I bought my own at Wal-Mart and it has some wonderful abdominal exercises included. I can really tell a difference. That might help...

[accelieda]

Wow Evrrdy,
Thanks for sharing this! It gives me a goal to shoot for and is really motivating!!! I am in awe of your strength!
Caissa

[orbidewa]

My stepson ordered a tape called "8 minute abs" online. I tried it recently and let me tell you-its an awesome workout and goes so fast! I feel like it directly targets my ab muscles. And it doesn't take all day to do. I also use the crunch machines at the gym.
Good luck

[Imalaycle]

Hey Mom, thanks for that information. Really!!! That's a super idea. I'm going to Walmart and look for one of those.

[SashaLionx]

Trueman,

I can suggest two exercises, that should get you on the way to a more muscular upper body and firmer stomach.

1) Pushups. I used to be able to do these forever, but now am having a hard time doing 15-20. The best time I found to do them is before going to bed. I will do a set or two and it gets easier all the time.

2) Crunches. I will lay flat on my back, with hands behind my head, and legs either bent upwards or elevated off the floor, then lift up using the stomach. I do these in sets of 20. A couple of sets a night before bed helps.

Best thing of all for the above, they are free!

-bill

[LomodiorCon]

Does anyone know of any websites that show some good exercises for the abdominal muscles?
Also if I want to increase my upper arms and chest size to make them more muscular, what would be my best options?

Thanks,

Trueman.

[sigrekatonov]

Teuthis, let me know what you think of it. I was always afraid my big butt would break the thing , but they are remarkably sturdy! It's a lot more fun than standard crunches etc. Plus you get the added bonus of working on your balance!

In addition to the ball, I rented a video from the library thinking that would help me with the exercises...a little too advanced for me! My friend, a physical therapist, uses a book by Lisa Westlake titled "Get on the Ball : develop a strong core and a lean, toned body" She said the pictures are a great help. I'm going to check it out of the library first to see if I like it. It got a wonderful review on Amazon.