LetsExercise.com |
| Ask An Expert - by Charlene Miskulin |
| Answers to Q3 A, Q3 B & Q3 C are below |
Q3 A: Char: How soon after eating should a person wait to exercise?
Answer: Well, that kind of depends on what and how much a person eats. Studies have shown that foods with a high sugar content eaten within an hour of exercising causes the amount of insulin in the blood to rise, and then you feel tired and weak from low blood sugar. All I know is I can't workout on a full stomach, too much energy going to digesting the food. And not eating leaves me weak. So about an hour before my workouts, I'll grab a half a power bar or a banana or half a sandwich. And water, water, water!!
Q3 B: Char: What are some good exercises for the abdominal muscles, and how often should the abs be worked?
Answer: There are three major muscles associated with the walls of the abdominal cavity, and none of them are upper or lower. There is the Rectus Abdominis (that's the part of your body you suck in when entering a party and want to look good). And the External Obliques and the Internal Obliques (they help in turning and twisting and doing the hula). There are no bones that provide support for this region, so the ab muscles run in different directions to provide strength and support.
When you do bent knee sit ups and curl ups you are working the Rectus Abdominis. Pelvic tilts are also working the exact same muscle, Rectus Abdominis. The same exercises with a rotation will work your obliques. It is pretty hard to overwork abs and you can safely work them everyday. Just breath out on exertion!!! Try doing them to music or watching TV. Also practice holding them in and having good posture also works your abs!!!
Q3 C: Hello Char: What does your exercise routine consist of? Cally (18, Washington State)
Answer: Well Cally, my routine has changed over the years. About 20 years ago, I did alot of hard core floor aerobics. Then I switched to bike riding for a couple of years. Then I went through a phase of weights and stairmasters, and athletic clubs. Next I trained in Tae Kwon Do, and I ran quite a bit. Six years ago I started teaching step aerobics and I still do today. I've taken up hiking, skiing and swimming, when I can. During the last three years, horseback riding has taken up quite a bit of my time. It teaches me balance, rhythm and coordination. I have consistently made physical fitness a part of my life, but the activities I've chosen have changed over the years. In the past, I have been on fitness routines where I wrote down everything and tracked my progress and that worked great. Right now I'm just enjoying life, and doing something physical everyday. I'll do a full body workout with weights a couple of times a week, and easy stretches daily. Next week who knows??? You have to be happy with yourself and what you are doing, that is the whole key!! Take care Cally, thanks for your question, Char.
