[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Morgan

I have been trying to strengthen my core muscles, the ab machine is a real killer...can anyone give me some advice on other exercises that will help the core, besides sit-ups and leg lifts. I do have a large excercise ball at home that I can use, perhaps building up my back muscles might help in getting my core muscles stronger...I have notice I am standing taller and straighter and I do try holding my stomach in, which for years I have not done.

I have noticed on the weight training on the upper body it is not about how heavy the weight is for me, but the sets and reps....I try to do 3 sets of 20 reps on various machines and feel the muscles burn just a little, but not hurt myself.

Today for breakfast I ate oatmeal and a banana, and lunch consisted of some roasted chicken, 2 hard boiled eggs, grapes and one wholewheat tortilla and some juice. I am finding it very difficult to get myself on a proper diet, especially since I really love carbs. Any advice for a butch who does not cook would be greatly appreciated, gotta love those Lean Cuisines and Healthy Choice meals for dinner, lol....

I'm not sure how you're doing your leg lifts, but I like these. They hurt but they produce results.

Do you have a bench or something that you have room to lay on and have your legs hang over? If so, do that and get your tush to the edge of it. I would suggest working each leg individually so you can't cheat, either consciously or subconsciously. Start at neutral, with your leg straight out and then lift up, back to neutral, bring down. You can also do sets that break it up, so you would start at neutral and bring you leg up then back to neutral and continue on. Once you've done that set, start at neutral then bring your leg down. I find that I cheat less if I split it up so I'm not doing it all at once.

The more room you have to push your legs down, the more muscles you'll engage. Watch your form and your back, though.