Welcome to your health and fitness guide. 

In my last article, we focused on some leg exercises that were designed to build strength and tone your leg muscles.  In my previous article, we also looked at two arm exercises.  In today's edition, we are looking at our abdominals. One important thing to remember with strength training is that you need to combine it with cardio work.  In earlier editions, we spoke about ways

to get active through walking and jogging.  By combining your strength work with cardio, you will decrease your body weight whilst toning your overall body.  With today's focus on your abdominals, we are looking at strengthening the area around your mid-section. What are 2 great abdominal exercises? Today I am going to give you 2 abdominal exercises. These exercises are described below:

  How many of these should I do and how often? You should aim to do 3 sets of 8 repetitions of each of the above exercises. What this means is that you do 8 basic abdominal exercises, rest for 30 seconds and then do another 2 sets of 8. With abdominal work you can gradually increase the volume. Therefore, if you are able to comfortably do 3 sets of 8, you can increase it to 3 sets of 10 and so on. You can now incorporate these abdominal exercises with your leg and arm exercises. You should combine these exercises with your cardio work (walking/jogging).  I would aim to do your strength training 2 to 3 times per week. Good luck with your new strengthening program. In your next issue, I will include another exercise for each of our main muscle groups that we have been working - your arms, legs and abdominals.

Yours in health & fitness,

Monique

Please note: Always consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program, increasing your physical activity or have any other individual concerns.