The belly, the middle, our tummy or whatever we want to call it. This area of our body is sometimes the hardest to lose fat in! I remember when I first started working out, my stomach was my most self conscious part of my body and the one I couldn’t wait to lose weight in!
As I learned what to eat and what not to eat, I also dedicated my time to learn what were the exercises I needed to do every day whether it was at home or at the gym. I knew that if I wanted to lose weight in my midsection I had to target that area.
I began with the normal sit-ups and added weights to my “belly” while doing them. I also began doing the hula-hoop which I have mentioned before. I remembered that when I was younger I would do the twist and with my goal of weight-loss in mind I would also do those. It all worked in conjunction with my dietary intake!
I also realize that I have to continue doing the same exercises and add new ones if I want to continue keeping my “belly” in good condition.
I was also reading that carrying excess weight around our middle has been linked to different diseases as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
There are many workouts you can do with a “Pilate” ball. One that really helped me was the “hand to foot” ball pass. That is when you lie on your back, with your legs extended on the floor. Hold the ball with both hands, and extend arms back over your head. Raise arms and legs toward each other, lifting your head and shoulders as you do. When your hands and feet are directly up, transfer the ball to your feet, then lower your arms and legs back to the floor. Repeat, this time switching the ball from your feet to your hands at the up position. That’s one rep. Do 8 to 10 reps! That, my amigas, is an amazing exercise and you will feel it!
If you are working for a flat “belly” you have to do cardiovascular activities which will regularly raise your heart rate and burn calories. Such as swimming, walking, running in place, and dancing will burn many calories.
Zumba the new dance and fitness craze is amazing! You can visit www.zumba.com and learn more about it. You can also see if it is offered in your area.
I continue to recommend yogurt, veggies, nuts, whole grains, and my most favorite Pita bread. All of this in conjunction with your daily intake of WATER! Some say six to eight: eight ounce glasses, but I say drink WATER all day and take out all your diet free drinks!
Amigas, here is a verse for meditation during your routines. Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
Hasta Luego!
