Tummy tighteners
There are two really good reasons for having a flat,
strong stomach. Fab abs not only make you look fantastic,
but they strengthen your waist, meaning there's less likelihood
of you injuring your back. But why get down and do your
crunches this month? Simple: the bikini season! You can't
run and you can't hide. If your belly needs strengthening
and toning, here's how to do it….
1. Crunches: Lie on the floor with your knees
above your hips and then cross your ankles. Keeping your
lower back on the floor and your elbows wide with your
hands behind your ears, raise your shoulders. Make sure
your tummy is pulled in the whole time. Do this exercise
slowly, raising your shoulders to the count of two, then
lowering them gradually to the same count. Start with
10 crunches and gradually build up to 20. Make sure you
build them into your daily fitness routine
Dennis's tip: Make sure you keep a space the size
of an orange between your chin and your chest. Do this
by focusing on the ceiling as you raise your shoulders.
This will help ease any strain on your neck muscles.
2. Reverse curl: Lie on the floor and put your
feet up in the air at a 90 degree angle. Pulling your
tummy in and keeping your feet pointed towards the ceiling,
raise your bum between two and four inches off the floor.
The emphasis here isn't on raising your bum, but on controlling
the movement on the way down. You should feel this in
your lower stomach muscles. Beginners should start with
three sets of five reverse curls. If you're intermediate/advanced,
go for three sets of 10 to 15.
Dennis's tip: If you find this too difficult, bend
your knees towards your chest and then lower your feet
gradually towards the floor. Above all, resist the urge
to swing your legs rather than control the movement. If
you want to swing, then go to the park!
Fitness gossip:
- I spotted ex-Eastender, now of footballer's wives, Gillian
Tayforth looking gorgeous. Her size 8 figure is sensational
and she says her secret is daily power walking.
- Looking stunning in a strapless gown at the launch of
Formula One, TV presenter Carol Vorderman swears by her
detox diet and says it's the secret behind her hourglass
figure
- I saw Julia Sawalia and Alan Davies at The Shadow Lounge
in Soho, boogieing for all they were worth. Not only were
they having a great time, but they were also keeping in
shape.
