[carpas]

I've decided to get back in to shape this year. I want to burn some unwanted weight first while strengthening my athletic core first i.e. lower back and abdominals first. I've got a 5 week plan for this area of my body. It will be a combination of 9 different abdominals and lower back exercises.
first week: sets 1
reps: 10-12
twice a week. Then building up to 3 sets and 12-15 reps three times a week.

[Danielle]

Kudos to you for making the commitment to get back into shape. My own 're-commitment' started last month. It feels good to train harder again.

[triumph]

I think core work is very good to build a solid foundation. I like to think of building myself from the inside out, so the core is first. I have actually had a lot of success doing pilates in building my core up. I don't really like to admit to it, because in some circles it is not something guys do, or admit to doing, but it really has helped.

[carpas]

Good luck to you as well Danielle, I know it’s takes a lot to get started again. The results are worth it.

Triumph, if that works for you alls good. I wouldn’t bother what other people think it’s the results that matter.
I’ve been using the swiss-ball for must of my abdominal exercises. I think this is a great bit of kit. It takes away stress on the lower back. But it seems to me people don’t like to use this equipment?

[Riggy]

Good going on your well thought out schedule for core training. That type of training has certainly been talked about lately. It does make sense to really tone and strengthen this part of your body. You guys are helping to motivate me!

Riggy

[triumph]

Carpas,

My training regime has missed the swiss ball to date. The times when I have been really into training have not coincided with its emergence.

How much time do you usually spend working with it?

[movni]

The ball sounds good. Especially if it takes stress away from the lower back. That's one of my problems with working out my core. My lower back just aches.

[Danielle]

triumph, there's a book out called Pilates For Men (or something similar). Don't feel ashamed; pilates is hard work.

[triumph]

Originally Posted by movni

The ball sounds good. Especially if it takes stress away from the lower back. That's one of my problems with working out my core. My lower back just aches.

This is a vicious cycle, unfortunately. People get back pain and lay off on the core work and ab work. Unfortunately, stengthining your core and abs can go a long way to reducing back pain. A lot of back pain comes from an inbalance and when you stregthen your abs, for example, it improves alignment and reduces stress on the back.

[movni]

Danielle do you know of any pilates videos featuring men? I've only seen the ones with women in it and would like to get a video for a friend to try.