Suggestions for toning muscles please !!

[Babz]

After losing over 60 pounds I am struggling to tone the muscles in
my abdomen and tummy !!

Please don't tell me to do loads of sit-ups etc... as I have
degeneration of the spine and after about five minutes I get too
much pain !!

I also cannot swim and am terrified of expanses of water !!

So I am asking for any suggestions that will tone me up but will
not cause too much pain !!

[Mamie]

How fast do you want to tone up?

There really isn't much substitute for exercise. If you have pain doing situps then the only real solution is to take as much other exercise as you can and let time be your friend. The areas you want to work on will become stronger if your whole body is stronger.


Maybe you need therapy for your fear of water since it is the most recomended form of exercise for people with spinal problems. Or maybe just lessons depending on just how bad that terror is!

Good luck and congrats on the weight loss. That couldn't have been easy for chocolate lover.

[Babz]

I am not too bothered about my fear of water, I have coped all
these years...lol

What I am looking for are specific exercises that will help tone
tummy and abdomen muscles...I am not bothered how long it takes to
tone them, just as long as I can do them !!

[bug-weecher]

Have you tried callenetics, Not great for overall fitness but good for toning. She is very much into protecting the spine and the exercises are very gentle and controlled. In the books and videos there is specific advice for people with back problems.

I quite often see the books in charity shops so you should be able to pick one up cheap or try your library. I would try to find a video though as some exercises are a bit clearer on the video than in the books.

[crying-charlie]

Hi Babz, Have you tried the toning pads?

These are good if you dont mind how long it takes and you can just sit and read or watch T.V. Cool!

[Babz]

Not tried then Charlie but I have been advised by a nurse to use
a Gym Ball !! They are 22 inches big and allow you to exercise
gently...so I will let you know how it is going !!

[Pebbles2]

We are all anxious to know how the new fitness regime is going Babz.........and remember the more you exercise the more chocolate you can eat!!!!


Pebs