Anastasia, I like that suggestion of crunches & pushups. I do a
similar thing with the inclined bench press & curls.

About the belly, about 7 years ago I started walking at lunch, at 1st
it was just 20 minutes, then over time it went up. It kinda depended
on where I worked, etc. Now I've got a full hour to play with so I'm
up to three miles. This kind of regularity combined with improved
eating habits have brought my tummy back in. Everyone's physiology is
different though. I have a friend she's 49 recently divorced, always
fit took up boxing but her tummy has always been an area that kinda
curves out. She looks great but her tummy will always have that shape.

From a guy's perspective, touching a tummy is sensual whatever it's
shape. Thin flat tummys where the hip bones are visable, or those on
mature women that are soft & curvy.

Hmm ... hope I did get off-topic. I think where I was going is "self
image" Sometimes I have to put blinders on so I'm not distracted by
the guys curling 85 lbs in each hand, & focus on my personal
growth/health. We need to feel good about ourselves even as we work
towards our goals.

As a middle? aged guy, (48) changing my looks can play games with my
head. Meaning I feel younger, but then I have to remind myself that as
impressed as I am with my improvements, they are personal & I'm not
younger.

Work on your belly, but be patient & feel good that you are doing
something, because doing something is always better than doing nothing.

--- In Working_Out@yahoogroups.com, "anastasia"
<alluring_anastasia@...> wrote:
>
> hi crook,
>
> thanks for joining the group. i hope you get the information you need.
>
> crunches and situps are good if they're done correctly, although
> crunches are better than sit ups as crunches don't strain your back
> too much.
>
> running is an exellent exercise, but it's not for everyone. if you
> want to run, but you're new to it, start slowly. altnating between
> walking and running is ok.
>
> if you don't dislike push ups and situps/crunches, what you can do
> is....do ten push ups, then do ten sit ups or crunches...alternate
> between push ups and sit ups until you get tired. the push ups can
> help work on your abs too because you have to hold your ab and back
> muscles to keep your back straight. it's not good when your back is
> drooping. some of my friends have taken kickboxing and tae bo classes
> for a great abs work out. if you live near a fitness center or ymca
> that offers such classes, try them out.
>
> i hope i helped you a little bit.
>
> anastasia
>