equipment to target tummy muscles?

[moneylover]

I have read the recent thread on Leg Magic with interest, its so great when people say something works

Anything effective for tums? I don't like unaided sit ups much and seem to pull on my neck however careful I am. Not fat but poor tummy muscles due to three c-sections, hysterectomy and poor posture! I know its all about core stability etc but if I could just start with strengthening my tummy muscles it would get me going. Just want something equivalent to the Leg Magic machine!

[full-time-mum]

I understand what you say about pulling your neck with sit ups but they really are the best thing for tummy muscles - well, it worked for me. I am not a fitness expert but this is what I was taught. I have to be careful of my back but, by taking it slowly, have had no problems.

You don't need to do full situps, just lift your shoulders far enough to work the tummy.

Firstly you need to pull the muscles of your tummy in. (To work out which muscles, do a little cough - its those!)

Don't put your hands behind your head or neck - either straight down your side or across your chest. Its not too easy to explain in text, but you shouldn't be raising from your head, more roll up from the waist. You only need to lift until you feel your tummy pull - as your muscles improve in strength, you will find you can lift further and do more reps.

The other exercise I find helps...
Lay on your back. Again, draw up you tummy muscles first. Bring your knees up as though you are going to bicycle but cross your ankles. Slightly raise you bum and GENTLY rock your legs.

I started with 10 of each, twice a day and gradually built up to 20 twice a day.

If you are in any doubt that your excercise is causing your neck problems, then it would be worth investing in a session at a gym - many offer taster days when you could go and get your technique checked out for free.

Good Luck - I'm sure that you will see some improvement quite quickly - just don't expect to get a teenager's flat stomach - I'm afraid we had to say good bye to that the minute we conceived!

[noonesperfect]

I don't know how you would get on with this one, but I read recently that standing on one leg whilst cleaning your teeth can help poor tummy muscles (it's OK to change legs if you get tired!)

I've tried it, you certainly feel your tummy muscles jump into action - whether it will tone them, I don't know.

It's not really OS, but properly run Pilates classes (mat work) might help you best. You could learn the basics thoroughly and just continue to practice at home I suppose.