Regarding exercising properly: toning and cardio routine for mid-section

[Banzai_Joe]

Not sure why u saw fit to have a go at azza, seeing as he was answering my question.

Like a lot of responses on here.

Today I tried a mixed routine. I went for a run then had a bit of a rest. Then a go on the swiss ball. I did try most of the things in the video but I kinda see ur point that it's not predominantly core focused so did a few more.

I'd say almost all ball exercises are core focussed, purely as you engage your core stabilisers muscles to maintain balance throughout every exercise. Some people mistake core for meaning abs/obliques, so if an exercise doesn't directly involve them, they may not think its a core exercise.

Did a bit of planking (!)

Dirty boy!!

....an exercise on the ball which involves assuming a push up position and putting ur feet on the ball then rolling it back and forth

Great core exercise, requires overall strength and balance and does hit the abs hard. Hope you're doing this one slowly and methodically.

I guess tomorrow I should expect, if I've done it correctly, the muscles that ache should be the ones I want to work out specifically??

Pretty much, but imho try to employ a total body workout somewhere in your routine.

 

[TMP]

Anyone have a good links for getting started with HIIT? I'm guessing a good watch which can monitor the times on each 'phase' is a must?

 

[b.cummins]

I'd say almost all ball exercises are core focussed, purely as you engage your core stabilisers muscles to maintain balance throughout every exercise. Some people mistake core for meaning abs/obliques, so if an exercise doesn't directly involve them, they may not think its a core exercise.

I certainly didn't want to fall into the trap of all this internet rubbish about 'washboard abs with 5 simple steps and a swiss ball' so I think I appreciate there's a difference. I'm trying to incorporate a good focus on core stability exercises coupled with exercises that specifically engage the abs, obliques and lower back muscles. I think that ties in with what other people have been saying in this thread about the fact that focusing only on my abs will not cause the weight loss needed to get a flat stomach. What I do think tho, is my core is very weak and needs strengthening. Given how hard I've found these exercises, I can tell I need a lot more in terms of endurance. What I'm hoping going forward is to build on running and a strong core routine and then expand out into focusing on other forms of training. Adding a core routine now has me sufficiently knackered in the evenings so I truly think it's given me the kick I've needed.

Great core exercise, requires overall strength and balance and does hit the abs hard. Hope you're doing this one slowly and methodically.

I am doing it slowly and it absolutely kills, falling off towards the end. To rectify this, I've got a mat on order as ball+carpet combination is pretty brutal, I've got an ab wheel on order too. I saw a mental exercise that combines a wheel and an exercise ball (!)

Pretty much, but imho try to employ a total body workout somewhere in your routine.

I do squats, lunges and push-ups as part of my routine. I also do dumbbell exercises with the ball, if this is sufficient?

I'm going to give this routine expansion a month or two to break in, I'm hoping to actually get results.

 

[icecold]

Like a lot of responses on here.

Today I tried a mixed routine. I went for a run then had a bit of a rest. Then a go on the swiss ball. I did try most of the things in the video but I kinda see ur point that it's not predominantly core focused so did a few more. Did a bit of planking (!), did an exercise that involves sitting and balancing with ur legs in the air and rotating a weight from left to right, an exercise on the ball which involves assuming a push up position and putting ur feet on the ball then rolling it back and forth and also some actual push ups.

Pretty knackered now which I suppose is the important thing?

I guess tomorrow I should expect, if I've done it correctly, the muscles that ache should be the ones I want to work out specifically??

Honestly, please don't listen to anything that guy says, he's totally useless. It's not worth the 1 or 2 good points he has to risk taking onboard some of his more stupid points.

The most important thing when you're doing core training is to have a completely braced core with a neutral spine. When I say braced core, I mean contracting as hard as you can, and also always making sure your glutes are fully engaged.

Try doing a plank like this and you'll understand

Do the exercises that I posted, it covers all you need to do outside of doing heavy compound movements.