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