Fitness & Weight Loss
Bye, Buddha Belly
By Kristen Dollard, Photographs by Michael E.
Hilary
Lindsay has turned NFL players into mewling kittens, so we figured her
abs routine would be challenging enough for us. These exercises will
create strength but not bulge-out bulk, the kind that can come with
more standard abs work. Lindsay says her proballers and boxers have
hard bellies for a purpose: to protect vital organs during violent
collisions. Unless you really need your abs to be your armor, she says,
you don't need crunches. Plus, these poses are cheat-proof: They
prevent you from using the hip flexors—the muscles you use to lift your
legs—instead of your abs.
Boat Pose (Navasana)
Sitting
on the mat, with sit bones grounded, press your ankles together, lift
your shins parallel to the floor, and lean back at a 45-degree angle,
keeping your back straight. Straighten your legs all the way without
collapsing your belly. Extend your arms forward, palms up. Hold for 5
to 10 breaths.
Next
time, do this variation: Start on your back with your hands clasped
behind your head. Bring your legs 45 degrees above the ground while
pulling your interlaced fingers slightly apart. Move your elbows away
from each other slightly while pressing your head down. Now do a mini
situp, creating the V-shape again by curling your upper back off the
mat and holding your torso just inches from the floor. Your elbows
should come slightly off the floor as your lower abs engage. It's not a
lot of movement, but it's tons of effort. "Lift the shoulder blades
first. Most people won't get their head more than an inch off the
ground," Lindsay says. Next, stretch your arms to the ceiling. After 5
to 10 breaths, come back down.
Comments
15 Aug 2008, 14:12
01 Dec 2008, 10:20