Pilates Instructors or anyone else who can help - Abdominal strengthening

[MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo]

My abs are shot to pieces, I am finding it hard to do abdominal curls and there is no tone whatsoever in this area.

Are there any exercises I can do to gradually strengthen them? I try to consciously hold them in when I am walking the dog and when I went to a class.

I have never done Pilates before.

You could start with the simple pelvic tilt.

Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Put your hands (palm down) under the small of your back. Gently press your back down into the floor where your hands are. Hold for 5 sec repeat x10. Try to breathe out as you are doing the tilt. If you can manage a pelvic floor contraction at the same time you will be working your deep abdominal muscles.

The pelvic tilt is a good place to start with abs that have gone on holiday

get a gym ball and sit on it while watching TV / at the computer

tones core without consuming brain power or time

So long as you do not schlump whilst on the ball. Need to sit up nice and tall.

Pelvic floor contractions also work well on the ball.

Thank you Slubberdegullion and Mrs Badger

I actually have an NVQ in ETM so am very