Hey Lind, I got a new "crunch" for ya!
It directly targets the lower abdominals... the "pooch" alot of women experience after pregnancy.
Lying on your back with your hands underneath your butt, lift your legs about 6 inches off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Slowly lower legs back to floor.
It didn't say anything about doing repetitions... but let me tell you... first... I couldn't get past 10 seconds. Second... I really.. FINALLY... could feel my lower stomach muscles engage! FINALLY!! :8855: I was starting to think they weren't there! I tried to do a second rep.. and only could hold for 5 seconds. so.... Not sure about the reps... I guess getting to 30 seconds will be an accomplishment.
Also, I read something interesting.
Mistake #6: You Overcrunch Your Abs
If you're doing more than three sets of 15, you're wasting your time. "Extra crunches aren't going to cinch your waistline," says Michele Olson, PhD, a professor of exercise science at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama, and a FITNESS advisory board member. "You're working the rectus abdominus, which is only one of four muscles in the abdominal wall. But it's the other three deeper muscles [internal obliques, external obliques, transverse abdominis] that give you a leaner look by helping you with your posture."
I get this fitness newsletter and found that in there. Thought of you.. don't remember how many reps you do, but just trying to help!
Another crunch move I read about and completely can't do, but thought you might like to add to your routine for your side stomach muscles:
Lay on your side, hands behind your head as if you were going to do a crunch... legs slightly bend and feet stacked... raise feet off floor and "crunch" to the side.
Ok... I'm done. :8855:
LR