Any excersise tips for a lazygirl?

[Rose]

I really want to get in shape for the summer, especially my tummy, so as I can wear a bibkini infront of all my stick thin friends and not feel self-concious. Does anyone have any good tips for toning up the tummy area, bearing in mind that I'm incredibly out of practise (not that I ever practised them in the first place) with all things press-up and sit-up.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated
Thankyouin advance
Ro
xxx

[Judi]

Do cruches with a medicine ball, do situps with a pilates ball under you.
Got out the fat in your diet, drink lots of water, walk everywhere instead of driving taking the stair, going to the store. Every little bit helps.

[Rose]

thankyou judi

[jemma13]

The best way to exercise to tone your stomach muscles.

Tone stomach

Toning the stomach muscles is best achieved using common, basic exercises, such as crunches, sit ups and side bends. Or simple stomach exercises that you can work harder on at every workout. Once the stomach is toned it may be necessary to lose fat around the stomach area so your new, firm stomach muscles can be clearly seen.


Basic Crunch: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head for support. Using your abdominal muscles lift your shoulders a few inches off the ground, pause briefly and return to start position. Complete at least one set of 10-12 reps.

Standing Towel Circle: Stand tall and hold a small towel (or resistance band) taut overhead. Contract abs and slowly draw a large, wide circle over your head and around your torso with your hands. Keep towel pulled taut throughout. Return to beginning position and reverse the circular direction. Complete at least one set of 8-10 reps in each direction.

Oblique Twist With Ball: Begin by sitting on the ball. Walk feet forward until ball is resting under your back -- body is now parallel to the floor. Place hands lightly behind head for support. Using your abdominal muscles slowly crunch up lifting your shoulder blades off of the ball and rotate left shoulder toward right hip. Return to starting parallel position and repeat then switch sides.

Hope this helps and.. if you need any more advice please post back and i will post other information on this very important issues for teenage girls Seeing as i am one myself.

[Rose]

Thats fab, thanks Jemma!

[*Emily*]

Walking
Walking is great. No expertise or equipment is required, you can do it anytime and it's free! What's more, provided you do it regularly and for long enough, walking can be just as beneficial as any of the more vigorous activities (like jogging etc).

How to start
Take a 10 minutes walk, twice a day.

Gradually extend yourself
Walk every day
Walk longer
Walk faster
Walk and swing your arms at the same time
Walk up one or two gentle slopes
Walk up steeper slopes

Ideally
Aim to walk briskly (swinging your arms) for 30 minutes, each day. This should include at least one reasonably steep slope. Please note: This may take you several months to achieve, so don't be in a hurry. Remember, exercise is for LIFE!

Swimming
For most people, especially those who are very overweight, swimming is even better than walking.

How to start and then extend yourself
Similar to walking, start by going to the pool twice a week for a gentle 15 minute swim. Gradually increase the length of your swim, and your work rate while in the water. Aim to build up to about 30 minutes a day, or 45 minutes twice a week.

Cycling/cycle-machine, or Jogging
Your aim is the same as for walking or swimming. Start with a short easy routine - 10-15 minutes per day and gradually work up to about 30 minutes a day. Gradually increase your work rate, without ever straining yourself. If jogging, please invest in a good pair of running shoes that offer cushioned support.

Exercise or Aerobics classes
These classes can be great fun. Moreover, many fitness centers offer a variety of classes to suit a variety of fitness levels. Definitely worth checking out!

Exercise at home
If you can't get out, or if the weather is bad, organize an indoor exercise routine for yourself.

An easy exercise & stretch plan
Head and neck circles
Stand up straight. Without moving your shoulders, slowly move your head and neck in a wide circle. Do this half a dozen times.

Arm swings
Stand up straight with legs apart and both arms stretched straight out in front of you, at chest level. Without moving your hips, swing your arms (parallel to the floor) as far to the left as you can - and then to the right. Do this 20 times.

Shoulder circles
Stand up straight with legs apart and arms at your sides. Without moving the rest of your body, circle your left arm backwards. Repeat this with your right arm. Do this half a dozen times.

Forward stretches
Stand up straight. Place hands palms down on the front of your thighs. Keeping your legs straight, lean forwards and slowly slide your hands down your legs, as close to your ankles as possible without straining. Then move them back up your legs and finish by holding your arms straight up above your head. Repeat this half a dozen times.

Side stretches
Stand up straight, with legs apart and arms at your sides. Without moving your legs, slowly bend sideways to the left, allowing your left hand to slide down the side of your leg, as far as possible without straining. Slowly return to the start position and repeat on right hand side. Do this half a dozen times per side.

Leg swings
Stand up straight with your weight on your right leg. Place your right hand on a chair or table, for support. Swing your left leg forwards and backwards, in a pendulum motion. Do this 20 times, then repeat the exercise with your right leg.

Thigh stretches
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched straight out in front of you. Place your hands on the top of your thighs and slide them down your legs as far as possible without straining. Return to the start position and repeat 10 times. Keep the whole exercise as slow and as relaxed as possible.

Leg raising
Lie on your stomach with your legs straight and your arms by your sides. Slowly lift your left leg off the floor, as high as possible without straining. Do it slowly - do not jerk your leg upwards. Then slowly lower your leg. Repeat the exercise with your right leg. Do this half a dozen times, per leg.

Running on the spot
Stand up straight with arms relaxed. Run on the spot for 2 minutes. As you do so, try to keep the whole of your upper body as relaxed as possible. Allow your arms to bounce freely at your sides.

Dance to music
As an alternative to running on the spot, put on your favorite CD and get moving! But avoid jerky movements. Try to move easily without straining your muscles.


Didn't realize it'd be so long. Sorry 'bout that.

[jemma13]

Lol emily.. i know what you mean.