Tummy exercises

[chazza]

What exercises are good for the stomach/abdominal muscles apart from sit ups?
No matter how many times I have been taught to do situps, i always pull myself up with my neck instead of stomach, so want to try something different to tone them up

[yogasun]

Agree 100% with Velvetee. Have taught Yoga fo over 30 years and I always say to my students 'Don't confuse the abdominal fat with the abdominal muscles' Some of them have noticeable fat but beneath it lie strong muscles, others are flat as a pancake in that area but have the weakest ab muscles going. Interestingly my class this morning practised the exercise Squitty posted about. I have taught it for years, they did the side ones as well with a good success rate :o)

[sleepyj]

i do sit ups using a stretching band .only way i can do them .the bands i have are from tesco cost about 4 pound

[pips1]

Velvettee is right, he is a nasty piece of work and she was only trying to help. Take no notice, velvet, he's probably fat anyway and can only sit on his couch having a go!

[lifigirl]

i agree with with velvetee completely both on her answer and on bounty being a bitch good on you for not rising to his obviously placed bait

[trish432]

I have read several times that the best thing for the abdomiinal muscles is to exhale and then pull the muscles in towards the spine and hold for at least forty seconds, then repeat. (And repeat and repeat I suppose)
This is supposed to work whether sitting straight up or standing, but better on all fours.
It is also supposedly good for the back muscles.

[chazza]

Thanks for all your answers and suggestions. My aim is to tone my stomach muscles through exercise, to have stronger muscles, rather than to lose weight.

Lakitu, until you posted that link I had forgotten that I also have one of those gathering dust! I shall hoke it out and have a go on it!

[Lore]

Oh, I tried that plank thing the other day after being told about it but wondered if I was doing it correctly. (now I know I was, I'll continue)

Lakitu, I'm sure I have a spare pram wheel somewhere, we could start a class!! :p