I just started Stage 1 today. I finally went to the weight room at work and was able to figure out all the things I needed for the first workout except there was no Swiss ball. It seems inane to me that I should have to join a gym (the weight room at work is free) just to get a swiss ball. However, the core exercises are the ones I am most interested in (still trying to shed some post-baby pounds). What else could I do to replace the workouts with the swiss ball?
You can do most exercises that use the ball just lying on your back, but they will be easier. You can always add more weight or reps to make them challenging enough, like on the ball crunches.
You could also get your own ball - they're pretty cheap, but it would be bulky to carry around with you. (Although if you're working out at work, you could use it in place of a desk chair - GREAT for the core muscles )
Thanks! I really can't see myself hiking across campus carrying a huge ball and then climbing the three flights of stairs to get to the weight room. I'll try and do the exercises just on the floor and add some reps.
It's a intriguing idea to replace my desk chair with one of those balls. My back often hurts when I spend the day at my desk (not a problem during the school year when I am on my feet teaching, but in the summer its an issue). If it will also help my core muscles it might make it worth it. Do you know where I could buy one of those balls?
Hmm. That's not great news. I'm not looking for a six-pack or even trying to lose much weight (2-5 pounds would be plenty and I'm okay with my weight for now). I'm just beyond frustrated that I can't wear any pants that don't have elastic waistbands. I just want to have a waist again. I had no trouble getting back to a good size after my first two pregnancies, but at 15 months after #3, I still don't fit into my pants. I don't have any extra fat on my arms and legs (and used to feel like I'm relatively strong - when 9 months pregnant with an over 9lb baby I carried both my other children (combined weight of 60 lbs) up the stairs - until I found this site!). I just look like I'm about 2-3 months pregnant and can't seem to get rid of the belly pouch. Here's my info:
age: 34
height: 5' 1"
weight: 115 lb
I've never seriously lifted before, although in college I tagged along with a friend to the weight room a few times and enjoyed it. I did 7 years of martial arts, but was too squimish about getting kicked in the stomach to go back after I had a c-section. I also rode horses for most of my life, but that has proved unfeasable since I had kids. I've tried running and swimming and aerobics tapes and biking, but I'm just too lazy to push myself for the sake of pushing myself. Karate was great since I had to push myself to keep from getting hit and lifting weights is similar. I think this will be a good fit for me, even if I end up stuck with my tummy and have to go out and buy all new clothes (which is worse than working out as far as I'm concerned).
Sorry for the ramble. Thanks for the explanation.
Carolyn
You might have separation of your abdominal muscles, if you are fairly lean/fit, but still have the pooch - diastasis recti. If so, there are specific things you can to to help the muscles correct themselves, and it WILL help more than just diet alone. I'm sorry I don't know specific exercises, but I know you can find good info online.
Also, are by any chance breastfeeding still? A lot of women (myself included) find their belly fat hold on until breastfeeding is finished. No matter what you do, if your hormones are working against you, you can't win!
And, weight training should help to lean you out more, especially if you do a HEAVY lifting program like NROLFW. Even if you don't have lots of weight to loose, you will see improvements all over your body just by lifting heavy. This program is really great.
In case you're wondering, I'm just at 1 year postpartum with my first, and I noticed a lot of great resutls with NROLFW in the past 4 months. Definitely helped me, though I'm still working on it!!
Thanks! I'm happy to hear the encouragement that you've had good experience with this. I'm really trying to give it my best shot.
Fortunately (unfortunately?), I don't have the separation of the abdominal muscles. I know this because I did have it after my second baby and have done those wonderful transverse ab exercises ever since I was about 3 months pregnant with my last one (it's also really helped my back). I do them in the car on the way to and from work, so I do them most days.
I am not breastfeeding anymore, I stopped exactly a month ago. I was waiting to make any changes in my life until I was sure everything wouldn't magically adjust after I weaned. In the past, weaning wasn't as big a deal as getting to the one year mark. My body always seemed to snap back after a year, except this time. I'm excited to try this program for many reasons, including long term health ones, but I'm really hoping to see some more immediate improvements.
Also, you could get the ball and use it at home, to supplement what you do at the gym (not ideal, of course, but if for some reason you don't want to leave the ball at the gym, or it goes missing from there ...you could still do all the exercises even if not at the same time/place)
Yaaay. Another Stage oner. I also started today and could not have been more psyched about seeing someone else start on the same day. This is awesome.
Interestingly enough, I have about the same measures as you do---27, 5'2, 106 pounds. I, however, AM looking for that six pack, toning, definition, you name it.
No Swiss Ball?
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Linear Mode
