[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by Morgan

I have been trying to strengthen my core muscles, the ab machine is a real killer...can anyone give me some advice on other exercises that will help the core, besides sit-ups and leg lifts. I do have a large excercise ball at home that I can use, perhaps building up my back muscles might help in getting my core muscles stronger...I have notice I am standing taller and straighter and I do try holding my stomach in, which for years I have not done.

I have noticed on the weight training on the upper body it is not about how heavy the weight is for me, but the sets and reps....I try to do 3 sets of 20 reps on various machines and feel the muscles burn just a little, but not hurt myself.

Today for breakfast I ate oatmeal and a banana, and lunch consisted of some roasted chicken, 2 hard boiled eggs, grapes and one wholewheat tortilla and some juice. I am finding it very difficult to get myself on a proper diet, especially since I really love carbs. Any advice for a butch who does not cook would be greatly appreciated, gotta love those Lean Cuisines and Healthy Choice meals for dinner, lol....

Hi Morgan.I'm going thrue rehab to strengthen my core because of a back injury,they are killing me to do some exersises but they are shure working.One is tp lay on the floorwith a really big beach type ball,put your feet up onthe ball and roll it down to your knees..curl your tail bone up and raise your hips then hold for as long as you can I do it for 15 seconds and it feels like for ever...and tightenup your abs when you to this.another is lay in the floor again,skide your feet under your knees,lay your arms dowh youe sides plams dowh then tighten the abs and lilft yout butt and hold for ten seconds...beleave me you will feel it.