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Original poster

Fifty sit-ups a day club

124 replies

PrettyCandles · 12/01/2007 10:16

Well, ab-crunches, really - I doubt I could do even one proper sit-up at the moment .

I'm starting with
10 forward
10 oblique to one side
10 oblique to the other side
10 forward
10 backward (ie draped forward over a ball and lifting my upper body up. Not technically an abs exercise, but still core body.)

Any joiners?

OP posts:
Blissfit · 23/01/2007 13:17

Hi Speedymama, you need to breath out on exertion in all exercises so during crunches it is on the way up! Mouth or nose doesn't matter. For the plank etc just try not to hold your breath and keep breathing!

BigHotMama, thanks for the thanks!

Ooh, another tip - slowing down the action will also make things harder. Use controlled movements rather than momentum.

Good luck all.

speedymama · 23/01/2007 15:06

Thanks for that Blissfit. Now I have to unlearn my bad habits.

I did not manage to do any crunches this morning but hopefully will do some after I put the twins to bed (and if I have any energy left!). I now have to get up at 5.45am to do my tummy exercises and press ups otherwise I won't have to time to shower, breakfast, get twins up, give them their milk, put them on potty, wash, dress them, dress myself and leave the house by 7.30am. I'm a glutton for punishment.

fizzbuzz · 23/01/2007 19:12

Speedymama, I do mine in the evening......

5.45am, How can you possible do anything at that time in morning, much less situps. You deserve a medal.

fizzbuzz · 23/01/2007 20:26

blissfit, you are a wonder,thank you so much for all your help.

Am bit concerned that this may turn into an"Ask Blissfit thread". Your advice on slower and more controlled was very helpful, and am now knackered.

Cannot do that plank thing as bad back, and they made it hurt, but thank you so much for all your help.

So ladies, are we in a competition to see who can get flattest tummy?

Keep it up everyone!

Original poster
PrettyCandles · 23/01/2007 22:08

Oh no, no, Fizzbuzz, no competition on this thread, pleeeeease. We're here to remind each other to exercise, and to be allowed our little boasts about teeny weeny improvements.

OP posts:
fizzbuzz · 23/01/2007 22:14

God no ,I don't ever do competition, hate it!
Sorry if what I said made something seem competitive. That is a man thing! . Women support each other!

OzJo · 24/01/2007 04:55

Just asking again, is it OK to do sit ups with your toes under something?

Rumpel · 24/01/2007 09:26

Ozjo - I don't think it is the toes wedged thing that is bad, it is if you bring your whole body up to your knees. I hink it puts a big strain on your back. You are better to do ab crunches, where you are fixing your eyes face on a point above and slowly lifting your back, whilst supporting your head, and pulling in the 'core' muscles. You are only actually lifting yourself slightly off of the ground. You can make it harder by pausing halfway and pulsing for 10. You can also bring your legs up at right angles, cross your ankles and as you lift your upper body, pull your knees in towards you.

Hope this makes sense.

fizzbuzz · 24/01/2007 09:56

Rumpel...pulsing for 10!!!Think I would actually die at that point!

MummyPossum · 24/01/2007 11:51

Message withdrawn

yellowpoo · 24/01/2007 12:05

IMHO
Make sure you are performing the sit ups correctly.

If you are exercising the muscles incorrectly, you could end up with a non flat stomach.

The movement does not need to be great, it is awareness of the muscles being exercised which will help your stomach become toned.

I you have had CS be very careful, a friend of mine permanently damaged her stomach muscles and now has a bump which will not go. Check before starting lots of situps.

Sorry to be all serious..

Carmenere · 24/01/2007 12:16

Ok I have just done 50 crunches, can I join, I was shocked as I used to do 100 everyday for about 3months last year and found just 50 really difficult. Just shows how much I need to be doing them I suppose

fizzbuzz · 24/01/2007 12:27

yellowpoo, how can you be serious with a username like that! lol

Longlegs1972 · 24/01/2007 16:06

I'm in, been trying to shift this flabby orrible belly by the power of thought alone!

Blissfit, you are a ledge. Thankyou for your words of advice!! SOmeone told me to do the crunches to the side too to not end up with a bulge. How do I do those properly. SHould it hurt the next day? It hurt at the top of my tummy just under my ribs and my sides.

Thanks again x

sauce · 24/01/2007 16:12

I can do 60 sit ups (3 X 20) easily but big effing deal because it doesn't make any difference to my muffin at all.

How do you get rid of a muffin? Surgery? Can't afford it. Dieting helped but it's not enough. situps help the abdomen but not the overhang. I can live with the thought that I'll never again wear a bikini but I would like to get rid of that bloody muffin. Any ideas?

Longlegs1972 · 24/01/2007 16:21

Apparently we have to do something cardio, like jogging or power walking. That is the fat burner.... I have decided to 'try' jogging/power walking, but so far have only managed to get the tracky on and walk round the house for fear of people laughing at me attempting to run!

fizzbuzz · 24/01/2007 17:04

Don't know Sauce, but I have one as well. Sil had hysterectomy 10 years ago, and she still has one, as does other sil who had some sort of abdominal surgery. V. depressing

Blissfit · 24/01/2007 17:11

Hi all

Sorry off to pick up kids so in a rush, so if you haven't already please see my comments (a few!) about cardio and engaging deep core muscles below. Re cardio - try power walking with the buggy. Plus slow down your crunches to really make the muscles work.

As a basic routine I'd suggest the following:

Crunches
Side crunches (there are various techniques, I like coming up to crunch position then reaching round towards ankle - you stay in the crunch no up or down movement)
Leg slides
Dorsal raises
The plank
Side plank

Make sure you're pulling belly button towards spine at all times! Sorry to bang on about it ..., and pelvic floors ... !!!!

X

fizzbuzz · 24/01/2007 20:34

Did the pulsing...God...agony...

sauce · 24/01/2007 21:12

Hi Bliss. Can we have a demo? planks & all that stuff? thx

Blissfit · 25/01/2007 21:00

Of course Sauce, anytime you're in Teddington!!!

Whilst I think of it, a note on full sit ups, they also work the hip flexors which isn't really the point so crunches are fine. They also put pressure on the lower back, so are best avoided.

Cheers!

fizzbuzz · 26/01/2007 08:51

Bliss, how long does it take to see any effect? Been doing them about 4 weeks. Stomach slightly (very slightly)harder, but still no firmer.

Thanks x

Rumpel · 26/01/2007 09:35

Hi All - hope you are all crunching well. Managing them every day, some days a few more than others. Been walking a fair bit too trying to lose this excess flab.
What is everyone worst bit? I detest my bum - it's huge!! I've told my hubby I am defo going for lipo on my bum and thighs when I've finished popping out babies. You can exercise all you like but it is hard to change your basic shape. Started body brushing again too - new brush though and the bristles are very hard ouch!

bottleblonde · 26/01/2007 10:18

Rumpel, keep up the walking, its the only excercise I do (apart from the sit ups) and my bum and thighs are very slowly shrinking and toning up. My bum is the smallest its been since I was in my teens. I walk for 30-40 mins 4-5 times a week.

amibovvered · 26/01/2007 10:30

I hate my middle section, between my shoulders and my knees.....

I used to be so slim and toned, now I wobble and I have cellulite on my cellulite.

However, I have lost 4lbs - was ill for a few days - and I am about to restart on the situps.....

Good to have some sisters on the same mission to beat the muffin top/overhang...