3 Exercises for Good Posture and a Six-Pack

These days many people spend a significant part of their day slaving away over a hot computer and as a result, their posture is not what it should be. Bad posture can result in short-term discomfort such as neck stiffness and headaches and also lead to more serious problems in later life. It is therefore worth spending some time to counteract the damage we may be doing to ourselves every day. But how about this - did you know that some of the same exercises that you can do to maintain good posture are the very same exercises, which if done regularly, can help you to achieve a six-pack? I am totally serious ? this is something I discovered recently while looking at different exercise routines because I wanted to do something about my own bad posture. As well as sitting and standing up straight, you will also look good on the beach next summer. Kill two birds with one stone!

The following exercises should be done a minimum of three times per week and although you will not see and feel significant results for approximately 6-8 weeks, you will start to feel the developing muscles encouraging you to sit and stand straighter, almost immediately.

Pelvic tilt ? Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Your feet should be parallel and arms to the side. Tighten your lower abdominal muscles, pulling your navel and lower back towards the floor. You should do this without using your buttocks or leg muscles to help you. Do this five times, holding for five seconds each time.

Trunk Curls ? Lie on your back on the floor, with knees bent. Place your hands lightly behind your head. Using your upper abdominal muscles, raise your trunk off the floor to about 20 degrees and hold for 5 seconds. Then lie down again slowly. Do not put any strain on the neck or lead with your head. Try to imagine touching the ceiling with your chest. Repeat five times.

Arm / Leg raises ? Lie face-down on the floor, keeping your neck straight, with your legs extended and arms straight overhead. Then slowly raise your left arm and right leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds and lower. Repeat with the right arm and left leg. Repeat five times on each side.

As you should before starting all types of exercise, consult your doctor if you have a history of health problems.

Emmanuel Mendonca moved from London to Athens in 2004 and is getting to grips with life in Greece. Emmanuel publishes Greece travel and living articles at http://www.athensroom.com/greece_travel _guide.html

---

Great Exercises To Tone & Tighten Your Butt

A question I am frequently asked by females is, "What is the best exercise I can do for my butt?" In my opinion, there is nothing better... Read More

Want To Get In Shape? Watch Another Infomercial!

You know I have always wondered how people of yesteryear, like Eugene sandow, John Grimek, Steve reeves, Jack Lalanne, Joe Louis, Charle Atlas, and many others that... Read More

A Great Way To Spice Up Your Workouts -- Interval Training

There's been a lot of buzz recently about Interval Training. So, you may be wondering what it really is and, more importantly, why you should incorporate it... Read More

Pilates: A Challenging and Motivating Exercise Regimen

Pilates is named after its creator Joseph Pilates. It is an exercise regimen that uses machines and special stretches. This exercise puts emphasis on flexibility and overall... Read More

Wise Up and Invest in Your Workout Success - Six Top Fitness Faux Pas

Already dedicated exercisers make small but costly mistakes regularly in their workouts, and one tiny change can have a huge impact on their results. Time is valuable,... Read More

Exercise Tips: Move Your Body - Boost Your Productivity

Do you find yourself setting a New Year's Resolution (every year) to get fit/go to the gym/lose weight/drink more water? If you could answer yes to any... Read More

The Importance Of An Active Lifestyle

Over the past 15 years or so, we have been told that a healthy lifestyle is important. Scientists recommend we should be accumulating on average 60 minutes... Read More

Thick Today Is Fat Tomorrow

As we twentysomethings get further along in our twenties, we may start to notice ourselves gaining weight. It sucks, because at one time you could eat whatever... Read More

What is the Right Home Exercise Program for You?

What do you want to get out of the exercise program?What you want to achieve as a whole fitness program has to do with the kind of... Read More

The Great Forgotten Exercise -- Parallel Bar Dips

When it comes to building lower pectorals, triceps and frontal deltoids, dips are without doubt one the best exercises I've ever used. They are seldom used nowadays... Read More

6 Things A Norwegian Fable Teaches Us About Healthy Perseverance Part 1

Author, H. Besser, in his book, "Perseverance: How To Develop It," shares a Norwegian fable about a man who left his hometown to rejoin his fiancée. They... Read More

Anywhere and Anytime Exercises

These type of Exercises generally makes your body strong and firm. No matter, you are Exercising or Muscle Building or Body Building, these exercises are quite handy... Read More

Weight Training: The Real Weight Loss Exercise

So you want to lose weight? Chances are, you'll spend the next few days "pigging out" while in the back of your mind you resolve that ...Starting... Read More

Strength Training After Fifty

Strength training after fifty is no longer for those people who are having some sort of mid-life crisis. In fact, doctors are literally writing prescriptions to get... Read More

Why Core is Key

Do you currently suffer or have you ever suffered from any of the following: Lower back pain, frequent hamstring injuries, a twisted knee or a pulled shoulder?Have... Read More

3 Steps To Starting a Successful Fall Exercise Program

Ah, the crisp cool breeze, the invigorating feel of the outdoors as the leaves start to turn colors, the sound of kids laughing on their way to... Read More

Defeating Back Pain Forever

Back pain, one of the most common physical, and debilitating ailments today, affects 70% - 80% of us at one time or another in our lives. However,... Read More

The Fundamentals of Pilates

There are people who are fond of getting an exercise for maintaining their body figure as well as to condition their body so to look healthier and... Read More

Easy and Effective Home Workouts

Many people think that creating a home workout gym is either too intimidating or too costly. So, often they instead invest their money in a health club... Read More

7 Reasons To Start Up With an Exercise Program

Most of us need to follow an exercise program. This is due to the fact that just a minority of Americans exercise in a significant way. Below... Read More

Exercise and Losing Weight for Life ? Avoid the #1 Mistake Everyone Makes!

Do you ever feel like you are working out so hard and nothing seems to happen? You just can't seem to lose that last few pounds, increase... Read More

Salsa Dancing for Fitness is Hot

Salsa dancing is emerging as a refreshing replacement for conventional aerobic exercises. Classes based on the fiery music and movements of Salsa, Mambo, Cumbia, Merengue and more... Read More

Stretching and the Warm up ? Are You Confused?

Lately, I've been receiving a lot of questions referring to the latest studies and research findings, and one question that I receive most queries about concerns the... Read More

Home Gyms with Free Weights

Having your own home gym with free weights is not only convenient but gives you the freedom to work out anytime you want. You save time and... Read More

Incorporating Physical Activity into Your Daily Routine Not as Hard as You Think

You already know that getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each and every day is good for you, but putting that assertion into actual practice is... Read More

Best Abdominal Exercises to Get the Sexy Six Pack You Deserve

The key to getting those sexy abdominals lies mainly on what abdominal exercises you choose to perform.Here are the best yoga Exercises for Removing Abdominal Fat Permanently!1)Dhanurasana-Bow... Read More