Move Of The Month

Region - the stomach

After the traditional excesses of the Christmas and New Year period, the best way to lose weight from the stomach region is to incorporate regular cardio activity into our weekly regime so that the body can burn fat and not store fat in its favourite place, the stomach. We also need to eat less fat calories, and to avoid the storing of calories, remember to eat small portions but more often throughout the day and never forget the basics; To achieve weight loss we must create a calorific deficit preferably by increasing our energy expenditure, in other words, being more active. As we lose weight exercise will help to create tone and one static exercise which has a great flattening effect in the stomach region is 'The Bridge'.

The Bridge

In the correct position the stomach should be facing the floor, the forearm should be on the floor psalms faced downwards elbows aligned directly underneath the shoulders. With both legs outstretched and our toes, heels and bottom facing the ceiling our body should be in one long line like a plank of wood running from the heel to the top of the neck. Do not allow our abdominals to dome and whilst gently breathing hold this position for 30 secs before releasing. Throughout the exercise try and keep the shoulders down away from the ears and keep the neck long. Hold for a maximum of 45 secs before rest and do not allow the bottom to stick up in the air or dip downwards.

[Updated 03/01/06]

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