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We are now offering Circuit Training / Boot Camp every Saturday in Bournemouth.

This is a superb way to get in shape, aimed at all levels and abilities.

Circuit training still remains  the best all rounder fitness session available.  Most exercise can be very specific and targets certain areas of fitness or isolated areas of the body.  Running for example improves lower body endurance and overall fitness, but a limited amount of upper body work, strength or core stability.

Circuit training offers such a range of exercises that it is more complete, and therefore suitable for both novices training once or twice a week but also advanced exercisers who need to cross train or compliment existing exisiting programs.

We meet at the entrance to The Miramar Hotel, Bournemouth. 9am-10am.   Cost is £6 per person.

Contact us if you need more info, or simply turn up on the day.  Hope to see you there!…

In search of the perfect mid section

Many of us long after an ideal mid section.  Minimal body fat and a firm toned column of muscular perfection.  Read on to discover how it all works and what we can do to achieve results around the mid section.

The abdominal muscle group can be separated into 4 different muscles, each of which has a different movement.  It’s hard to completely isolate any one of these muscles as they tend to work together, but they can be targeted.

Rectus abdominus Two strips of segmented muscles running down the middle of the abs commonly known as the `6 pack`.  A straight forward stomach crunch or sit up works this muscle.

Transverse abdominus The deepest of the abdominals, worked when we simply suck the belly button in.

Internal & External obliques The `obliques` run around the sides diagonal to each other, working together to twist the trunk or bend to the side.

Flattening the mid section

Probably the most common question asked (followed by a repeated patting of the belly!!). What we are usually referring to is the body fat covering the abdominals. Regular aerobic exercise and a well balanced diet are the best approach to flattening the stomach,reducing this body fat

Some abdominal exercises will definitely help to flatten and tone this area. Many people pursue stomach crunches and sit ups working the `6 pack` rectus abdominals.  This works up to a point, but only on one specific muscle and with no real effect on body fat.

Exercises using the deeper transverse abdominals are much more effective.  When sucking the belly in these are the muscles we use, so it makes sense to train them in pursuit of a flat stomach.  A wide range of core stability, swiss ball, and BOSU exercises are effective, as are exercises like `the plank`.

Attention all areas

With normal crunches, the rectus abdominals (particularly the upper abs) will get toned quickly.  We should try to include all areas in an ab routine for a more balanced physique.  Hit the lower abs by bringing the pelvis towards the ribs as in a      reverse crunch.  The obliques can be firmed by performing crunches with twists or side movement.

Muscle balance

As well as a varied ab routine be sure to strengthen the opposing lower back muscles with exercises like back raises and supermans.  This is essential to improve or maintain good posture and muscle balance.  Interestingly, a large number of back problems are due to weakness in the this area.

Definition

A low body fat is a must for the catalogue six pack.  Movements involving the obliques (twists and bends) are shown to promote definition better than the other abdominals

The bottom line

Training the mid section is an important part of any training program.  Regular aerobic exercise reduces body fat and should  be combined with varied mid section exercises for best results.

Simon Lesser works as  a full time Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist.  He works with a range of clients from a private  gym in Bournemouth, Dorset – for more information call 07748 914368 or visit simonlesser.co.uk