Dont know aboutstomach trimming and toning, i think sit-ups are the best way.........
However for general fitness they say a good sex session is equivalent to a five mile run, so if you'd like some company me or Calista would volunteer to do a marathon or two with you ;) :twisted:
This is really rude but get steve to sit on the end of your situp bench with a hard will motivate you to do more situps.
Seriously,leg raises are good too for the stomach and can be hard though but then again NO PAIN NO GAIN.
I usually have a tape or cd when i exercise it takes your mind away from it.A complilation of your fave tracks is a great motivator.
Pilates is great for toning your middle bits.
Get some cheesy 80's music, a hula hoop and a skipping rope.
Dance for 1/2 hour (think hot gossip, very bendy and stretchy and energetic)
Skip for 1/2 hour - trying to remember the rhymes makes the time fly
Hula Hoop for 1/2 hour - you'll use loads of energy.
You can break them up during the day, it's not a super quick fix but it is lots of fun and does work.
Jas
XXX
I enjoyed Judo, bet I`d remember sod all now though!
Venusxxx
Clare,
You have had a variety of replys to your question, some good some not so good.
You mentioned that you have kids, but you didnt mention how old they are, this could be useful to advise you in what excercises you need to be doing as there are different ones for if you have recently given birth.
The first thing i would tell you to do is get a check up with your doctor to make sure your in a healthy and fit state to start an excercise regime (sorry have to include that bit for legal reasons, wether you do it or not is upto you).
You also mention that you have set yourself a target, please do not make this a weight orientated target as there is no point. your weight will fluctuate throughout the day and especially at your time of the month. Instead break your target down into small realistic goals such as ' i shall be able to walk to the local shops without feeling absolutly knackered by the time i get there'. this way you will be able to gauge your progress over a set time scale.
There are two activities which are very good for toning, one is swimming as Calista
mentioned before (dont be worried about going to your local gym as no one is really staring at you they are either feeling as nervous as you or too wrapped up in there own personal appearance to notice.) and the other is walking.
Just getting off the bus one stop early or leaving the car at home and walking to the shops will help in your fat burning which will allow you to feel and look much better.
Also if you do decide to train at the gym or start a walking regime, take it easy. it is pointless to go at it like a bull in a china shop as you will only feel deflated and give up at the first hurdle or cause yourself an injury.
To start with do any activity that leaves you slighty out of breath, this would be your optimum training level, you can gently push yourself harder as you notice your fitness improving and your body feeling frimer.
As TheFacilitator mentioned, your stomach muscles are part of your inner core but you must not ignore the rest of your core muscles such as your back at lats (side muscles).
If you are feeling particually flush, think about hiring a PT instructor such as myself to help you in your quest for the perfect bod lol. I would offer to come and train you but as i have torn the tendon in my knee i wouldnt be much help, though i am more than happy to advise you via email free of charge.
Hope this helps
right, after writing all that im knackered and off to bed
Please forgive the spelling as i have a new wireless keyboard and its very tempermental.
Big G just thought he had better add on top of Silkys suggestion his own tips for stomach firming .
Whenever I go for a few pints , then have a Chicken Dupiaza and a couple of Naan bread on the way home , I always find my stomach is as tight as a drum . Hope this helps .
G
I'd second the advice on swimming (or should that be third it?)
I've mangaged more chest development (not exactly what you're looking for) in 3 weeks by swimming than 3 months in the gym.
here is a link that for site that lists all the open air pools in the uk (since we are having such good wheather at the moment).
MrE
Theres been mention of watching videos such as tae bo and other 'excercise/self defence' combo videos... only use these if your only looking to tone up and excercise as the 'self-defence' part of them is not much more than a marketing gimmick, if your interested in self defence and many on here have said it is the best form of all round toning excercise.. then find yourself a local class
If your not bothered about any of the above then buy a skipping rope,
Stretch yourself out for 10 minits... jog for 10 (on the spot if you want, this way you can mix leg strokes from simple up/down to kicking upto your backside and raising your knee)
Skip for 15 mins, push ups/sit ups/squats, then stretch to warm down
All in all will take you an hour tops... try not to rest to much inbetween sections as you really need to build it up and work a sweat on
3 times a week and i guarantee you will notice it within a fortnight.. also dont have anything to eat for an hour before it.. just drink
Russ
chinees sit ups were allways good at leat you can watch the telly whilst doing it ( please note they are not the type that require you to physicaly sit up, but do require your legs to be raised from the floor about 6 inches).
This will work your tummy muscles and your legs as you require both to hold your legs up, burns like hell but that what they use in kung fu, statr with holding up your legs for about 10 seconds at a go, having a 10 second reat between each one, start with 10 sets and work up, a black belt is expected to hold that position for a minimum iof 3 mins on each occasion during assessment.
If you need more info pm me
. 
