| If you're looking to get in shape, or tone up | | | | Strength training might carry connotations of |
| those loose muscles, one of the best ways to | | | | muscle men and women, but this isn't the |
| achieve your goal is through strength | | | | whole picture. In fact, strength training |
| training. The beauty of strength training is | | | | can just be used to tone up and keep fit, and |
| that you can see results very quickly, and | | | | it is an excellent way of doing so. One of |
| you can also begin your programme of training | | | | the first exercises you can do in your own |
| in your own home, with very minimal resources | | | | home is the crunch. Lie flat on your back |
| and a couple of spare hours in the week. In | | | | and bend your knees. Bending at the waist, |
| this article we'll look at some of the key | | | | sit up until you feel the muscles in your |
| ways you can train your body to tone up and | | | | abdomen 'crunching' and then release. Repeat |
| get in shape in no time to leave you looking | | | | this process for 10 reps three times a day to |
| and feeling great. | | | | see quick results. If you find this is too |
| | | | painful on your back, you can always lie on a |
| Before you begin any course of exercise or | | | | bed, although take care not to bounce your |
| training, it is essential that you take into | | | | way up, or to establish a rhythm. Another |
| account your current medical health, and any | | | | great exercise at home is the push up. |
| underlying conditions which you may be | | | | |
| suffering from. Take the time to visit your | | | | Lie face down on the floor and use your hands |
| doctor, and ask for a general health check. | | | | and arms to support your upper body. Extend |
| He should be able to advise you on the best | | | | your legs fully and rest on your toes. Lower |
| types of exercise for your body and health, | | | | and raise yourself steadily to strengthen the |
| and should be able to recommend a suitable | | | | arms and stomach muscles. Alternatively, |
| course of action. Of course seeing a doctor | | | | kneel with your legs, for a push that is less |
| regularly is a good idea anyway, but it is | | | | of a strain, and easier to pull off. Again |
| utterly essential when it comes to embarking | | | | with regular repetition, you'll feel the |
| on a programme of strength training. | | | | difference in no time. |
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