Physically Fit

Okay people, I'm back with a few more exercises to throw in the mix.

The following 3 are taken from the May 2007 edition of Essence (yes, I read a lot of Essence lol. It's a good magazine). The article is entitled "Bring It On" by Lynda Floyd.

As I mentioned in my Shape Up For Summer post, I love lunges. This exercise is an alteration to the traditional lunge...it's called the One-Legged Lunge. The starting position is similar to the traditional lunge position, but instead of having your back foot on the ground, place it on the seat of a chair (ie where you're bum would normally go on the chair). The article says to hold a weight at chest level, I'm using my reused water bottle as my weight. The movement is the same downward movement of a normal lunge. Your aim is to get your front knee at a 90 degree angle without making your knee cross over your ankle.

The second exercise the Stability Ball Ab Contraction. I wonder if using an old tire would give the same results?? Anyone willing to try lol. For this exercise, your starting position is The Plank with your legs on the stability ball, hands on the floor and body obviously properly aligned. Using your core muscles and legs, roll the ball forward, contracting your body into a cat pose. Now this one is a bit a tough one, but once you get the hang of it things should go a bit easier.

The third exercise again is in the Shape Up For Summer post, only difference is that the actual weight is added. This exercise requires a medicine ball (is that what it's called? the weight balls) but if you don't have one what can you use? A bag sugar seems like a good alternative or a dictionary. Something with weight! So the Tabletop Sit-Up: starting position - regular sit up position with legs raised making a 90 degree angle at the knees. Hold your weight extended behind you, raise and crunch placing the weight on your legs. Return to start position, crunch again and remove the weight from your legs, then return to start position. Remember to exhale when you crunch and hold your abs tight when you exercise.

That's all for now!! Hey I can see my mini keg turning into a 6 pack!! woohooooO!!