|
Lynne Brick's Fit Tips ArchiveLynne Brick's Fit Tip #16, 2008 —
Transverse Tighten-Up!
(Please click here to view the video that accompanies this fit tip!)
Do you have a "menopot"? I'm sure you know what I mean. The little layer of fat in your mid-section, which is also known as a "pot belly." After a woman delivers a baby, it takes at least six weeks for her uterus to return to her pre-pregnant state. It is understandable that she has a "pot belly." However, due to hormonal fluctuations of menopause, aging and stress, women tend to acquire a pot belly. Why?
The reasons why some women develop a "menopot" vary. Some of the reasons include stress, fat deposits due to hormonal fluctuations, not enough sleep, poor posture, poor nutrition, unbalanced diet and not enough exercise. Of all these reasons the one most important for you to be concerned about is stress.
Stress creates a "flight or fight" emotional response which causes an increase of adrenalin. When the adrenal glands have been over-taxed, the body resorts to producing cortisol. Cortisol has been linked to causing fat to be deposited specifically in the gut, literally. This fat, called stress fat, is not the fat you can pinch under your skin. It is located in and amongst your visceral organs. Stress fat, considered to be toxic, had been linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke diabetes, and even dementia!
The best way to reduce stress fat is to reduce stress! Take deep breaths, take vacations, take 5 minutes away from your computer every 60 minutes, take yoga, meditation or BodyFlow classes, take a hot bath, take time for yourself. Additionally, you can tone, tighten and firm your midsection in three easy steps. By the way, these steps are essential when you set your great posture, walk, strength train, take a pilates class, sit at your desk or simply perform your activities of daily living!
(Please click here to view the video of the tips below)
Here are 3 easy steps to help you Tighten up your Transverse:
- Step 1: Connect the dots between your symphysis pubis (pubic bone) and your belly button. Imagine you are zipping the front zipper of your pants.
- Step 2: Connect the dots between your belly button and your spine. This should create a neutral spine. Your spine should feel as if it in a straight line. Your pelvis should not press forward or back.
- Step 3: Activate your transverse abdominus muscle. This muscle sits across your abdominals, east-west. When you activate this muscle you should feel as if it is taking your breath away. Then relax without loosening your muscles. You should feel as if you are wearing a 24 hour girdle, which you are. Only this girdle is made of muscle!
You can do these three easy steps either lying, seated or standing. Regardless of your position, be sure to tighten up your transverse abdominus as you decrease your stress to help you be rid of the menopot... forever!
P.S.
Please click here to view the video that describes this fit tip. All you need is a video function. It is "white listed" and not spam.
You Go Girl!
Resources:
www.LynneBricks.com
|
