Exercise Ball

Scott Schwab

What a day. Wow, we have now surpassed the 100 post mark and we are having a ton of fun doing it. I think like with anything, the person who is studying the material and presenting learns the most. The information is working on a personal level for all of us at Mixers Nutrition. I have personally lost 10 pounds and firmed up the areas that needed a little work. I hope you have done the same, and if not please let us know where we can help. We continue to get closer to the opening of the store, but in actuality have had funding delays, but we will get it done and all of you will be the first to know.

I wanted to post on a workout that I did for my Abs today. You will need to get an exercise ball or secure one at the gym that you go to. You will start on the ball and arch all the way back, to the point that your head almost touches the floor. You will emulate a cough by doing short little breathes that flex your abs tighter and tighter. You will hold that and rock slightly back to the furthest point and down a little to elongate and stretch the ab muscles. As you start to feel the burn, start crunches with your hands behind your head and pulling yourself straight up. As the burn continues do not stop; work your obliques by bringing your elbows side to side. Once you can go no further, do 10 more regular crunches. After the 10 you will relax on the ball by leaning back on the ball, but not flexing while you do so. This helps to get your abs evenly worked, and the muscles to pop out and say "watch out." Another stretch that is good, is to take your arms and put them straight out and lean back. Finally another ab cruncher that is a little fun, but can be embarrassing is sitting on the ball and bringing up your feet to your chest and trying to balance on the ball. It is all about your balance and core strength, so you will want to keep your arms out to the sides for balance and flex your abs, as you will be trying to balance on the ball. Try the workout and let me know what your thoughts are. Have a great weekend.