Abs/Tummy

GameBabe1 · 05-05-2002, 03:20 PM

Has anyone had success getting the abs/tummy at least a little flatter? Seems that everything is going down but that. Is it hopeless?

SouthernGirl · 05-05-2002, 04:26 PM

I've been doing deep breathing exercises for about a month now and have found more toning in my abs....I still need to get rid of the flab but this helps with the underlying muscles, not to mention the oxygen “buzz” I get first thing in the AM. I found the following (quoted) instructions to be very helpful.

"Lay on the floor. Exhale completely and fully through the mouth. When you think you have pushed out all the air, push some more to get out any stale air still left in your lungs. Then push down hard, contracting your abdominal muscles and hold for 2 seconds. Then slowly inhale, through your nose, making sure your BELLY is filling with air. Exhale again completely through the mouth, push down hard, contracting your abdominal muscles and hold for 2 seconds, and follow with another deep inhalation through your nose making sure that your BELLY is filling with air each time. Do ten of these everyday, preferably in the morning. You can do them while still in bed. It may not seem that these exercises are doing much, but if you do them at least 6 days a week, you will find that your stomach muscles become very strong and toned. This type of breathing also speeds up the metabolism."

"If you can't tell when you are using your diaphragm to breathe, when laying down, put a plastic bag full of rice or beans or another similar object on your belly. When you are filling your belly with air, you will be able to see the bag go up and you will see it go down as you exhale. Filling your belly with air means you are expanding your diaphragm muscle completely. Your shoulders should not be moving up and down – only your belly will be moving up and down. The diaphragm muscle has been referred to as “the muscle of life” and it needs to be exercised just like all the other muscles in your body to stay in shape. When we don’t use our diaphragm muscle when we breathe, we breathe in a shallow way. Shallow breathing does not allow toxins to be removed completely and does not provide your body with sufficient oxygen. Deep breathing is crucial and will give you a boost of energy at any time during the day when you need a little pick me up. It also is great to do when dealing with cravings for not so healthy foods.”

It took me a few trys to really get the hang of it.

Good luck cyster!

GameBabe1 · 05-05-2002, 04:43 PM

I am a band director and diaphragmatic breathing is the proper way to breathe when playing an instrument, so I am familiar with that. I will give it a try :-)

I am tired of doing crumches and not feeling any results. I can feel my abs above my waist but that's not where the problem is. It's the big tummy that sticks out and makes me look 5 months pregnant!

S.

loofah · 05-06-2002, 01:35 AM

My tummy is slowly shrinking - I am alternating days of aerobics with days of tummy exercises from an exercise video I have called Aussie Fit. There are a lot of mini sit ups (not full crunches) and I find it works my tummy really well. Both types of exercise is helping I believe

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obieone1 · 05-06-2002, 12:06 PM

I have started Pilates, and have found that it really tones the abs. I bought the beginners program on DVD at Borders Books, and its great! You can also buy how-to books on the program if you do not want it on VHS/DVD.

The program consists of a series of streches, diaphragmatic breathing, and muscle contractions which center around the abdominal area. Its working for me!

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[This message has been edited by obieone1 (edited 05-06-2002).]