Okey Dokey...

So today was much better than yesterday.  I ate the right number of calories and I drank a lot of water.  I even got my butt on my stepper and stayed on it for an hour!  Someone told me that they marched when they walked and it toned their arms so I did the same on the stepper.  I could feel the burn in my legs and in my arms.  I do wish I could find a better way to focus on my abs, butt, and hips though.  If I do crunches it only burns in my upper abs.  I tried the reverse crunch, but I can't seem to get it right.  I don't know if my stepper is doing much for my hips and butt.  I don't know.  I will have to look into something new I think.  I'll figure it out tomorrow.

The Stepper

This is what I've read about aerobic steppers:  it helps tone legs and buttocks, however there is less chance of boosting overall metabolism rate.  The article suggests that if you include arm movements at the same time as stepping, it's important to make sure that the arm movements are done in a similar rhythm to the leg movements in order to maintain good balance.  So, there you go.  You've got your legs, arms, butt, and most likely hips, covered.  I don't get the crunches done the right waty too.  I end up hurting my back.  I'm still practicing to have it done correctly.

Good To Know

Thank you for the added info about the stepper.  I had not read all of that.  Did it say why it didn't boost the overall metabolism rate?  The crunches are hard for me.  Being on a hard floor, even with a mat, and lifting my shoulders puts pressure on my lower back and the hard floor hurts.  The reverse crunches are impossible.  I can't seem to focus properly on the lower ab muscles in order to actually do the exercise.  Go figure.  I practice, but I am still trying to find a more effective way.  Good luck with your exercising and straightening up your house.

Hi,

Ahhhh...

Cool! I went to Disney World couple weeks ago over the weekend. We had a blast! I went there on our honeymoon back in 2003. We loves everything out there. Especially the rides!!!! WHOO!!! LOL What is your favorite idol? Goofy for me!!! Drat I didnt have this picture of me and my hubby with Goofy in here my office but at home! I will send you one tonight!

Our Honeymoon 2003 - weighted 215

Abs

For crunches: standing crunches are really good. You can work your upper, lower, and obliques. Plus, it takes the strain off your lower back. AND, I've found that it's more fun and I can do more reps if I'm standing up. I'm starting the hip hip abs program (similar to slim in 6 and part of the beachbody program lineup). I hope this helps!