There is an article in “The Times” today all about the rise of the “six pack” and how desirable it has become. I am very pleased to see that one of the best ways of developing a six pack is by doing Pilates. This is very good news for me as a newly qualified Pilates instructor. I can teach men how to develop their six packs. I could become an expert in six packs. I am so liking this idea I need to stop writing about it for a minute. In fact, perhaps I need to stop writing completely for the day and get on with all my other jobs. Can you tell I’m a bit snow-bound today? This is my 5th post of the day.
Other recommended ways in the article to expose that muscle often found buried deep within your stomach include:-
Start by increasing fat-burning aerobic activity – running, swimming, cycling in order to get rid of some of the fat hiding the muscles.
Try a swissball (although don’t let it pop like the one my friend went on in a gym and broke all his ribs)
Don’t bother with other abdominal gadgets.
Laugh a lot – it gets the TA (transversus abdominus) going.
Don’t do endless sit-ups – try Pilates instead – much more focused and effective.
Try the “bicycle move” – lie on a mat/carpet with hands behind head. Bend your knees and alternate bringing your opposite elbow to opposite knee in a twisting movement, whilst pedalling your legs. If you haven’t done them before don’t extend the legs fully each time until you’ve built up some strength in your abdominals. Try and keep your naval pulled in and your spine flat on the floor. Do two sets of 15-20 reps 2-3 times a week. Build up to 4-5 sets.
Good luck.
If you’re looking for a six pack expert, you’ve come to the right place…
saz
January 13, 2010well it doesnt involve drinking 6 cans of bear so thats fine by me…I go back to pilates tomorrow…so hope to develop a habit let alone, getting one of my 4 tummies firmer!!
Would have to lose about 2 stone of weight first!!
saz x
London Dad
January 13, 2010It will be back to running when the snow melts. Swimming is also a good idea if you have a smart club like your toy boy. But in the mean time, I will start cycling upside down. How long will it be before I can remove my shirt and count to six from the current one (sometimes two)?
Family Affairs
January 13, 2010That depends if on whether you hire your own private pilates teacher or not Lx
janelle
January 13, 2010ok. starting the bicycle thingy tommorrow. . . the popping ball made me laugh out loud…how bloody funny!? x j
Family Affairs
January 13, 2010Well, I know, it sounds funny, but he was genuinely really badly damaged – he’s over 6 foot and quite well built and he was doing weights whilst lying on the ball = the weights came crashing down when balloon popped. How hideous. Think he sued the gym. Lx
Jon Storey
January 13, 2010Ok, I am sold! I will send my navel and adjacent flab by courier, please be kind enough to send it back when you have got it sorted.
Thanks!
Family Affairs
January 14, 2010testing…testing…trying to post a table not working x
Muddling Along Mummy
January 16, 2010Oooh am liking the cycling idea – tummy muscles still so wrecked post baby that full pilates class not a possibility but wanting to start a few gentle things (leg drop, leg extend)