I hope Lawren is having a wonderful, much-needed vacation. I was honored and pleased when she asked me to be one of her guest bloggers during her absence.
I'm guessing Lawren was hoping for a wide variety of perspectives from her guest bloggers. But this morning I'm turning the tables; I'm going to take advantage of you, Lawren's classy, witty, knowledgeable, and relatively large audience. I need advice.
First of all, I've been tring to lose weight for quite a while. I have actually, for probably the first time in my life, made a rather sustained effort at exercise and eating less for several months. My 'biggest' problem area? Lower abs. Ladies, how can I get rid of my gut? I do crunches, but they don't touch that lower ab area. What lower ab exercises or even equipment do you recommend?
Second, I worry about wrinkles. I'm not a young woman anymore, and though I don't see many wrinkles, I wonder if this is the time to start taking some preventative measures. Anyone have a favorite wrinkle cream or beauty tip that *really works*?
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I love Neutrogena's Anti-Blemish/Anti-Wrinkle cream. I also have been using a high SPF foundation with Retinol around my eyes and as a foundation for lipstick for about 5 years.
I don't know if either of these are actually working, but I'm all about prevention!
Posted by: Amanda at August 02, 2004 08:28 AM (Q/1ny)
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I was speaking to my dermatologist about wrinkles and such. I explained I don't have any yet and I don't want any and he told me that it is all in our gene pools. Yes creams can help keep the skin hydrated, but overall what is in our gene pool is going to decide how we will age. He also suggested that instead of spending what I was on creams and lotions (which was a staggering amount) that I do facial exercises. These are all part of a iso-metrics workout that I do - - which also has exercises for that stubborn lower ab
Do I still use an expensive creams? You betcha! I use it right along with the exercises. lol
Posted by: Uptown Girl at August 02, 2004 08:47 AM (dUIpl)
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Uptown Girl please share the facial exercises. I only know 2 and I really think that is the way to go. I use Differin and now wear sunscreen but w/ a past that includes 15 years of smoking and no sunscreen it is going to happen.
Posted by: Lynne at August 02, 2004 11:52 PM (TnN3X)
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Lower abs are tough because it's hard to get to the muscle. I used to do a whole ab routine that included pelvic lifts for the lower abs. They work pretty well if you do them right. Lie on your back, knees bent. Lift your butt off the ground and lower back down for as many reps as you can stand. A variation on this, which makes it more difficult, is to keep one knee bent, lift the other leg straight above you (perpendicular to the floor) and lift your butt off the floor. Hands should go behind your head, by the way.
Posted by: Lee Anne Millinger at August 03, 2004 07:45 AM (C76SF)
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I've heard that pilates work your lower abs. I've been meaning to try it, so I can't speak from experience yet
Posted by: at August 03, 2004 08:25 AM (tNznv)
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Hi Kelly, Im Lawren's mom. I have tried ALL the creams...My favorite at the moment is Avotox. Check out www.avotox.com
Posted by: Leslie at August 03, 2004 08:45 AM (070YS)
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Try this, it is hard but you can feel it working!
1. Plank Abdominals with Alternating Leg Lifts: Get into the pushup position, but instead of being up on your wrists, put your forearms flat against the floor. Lower your hips into the ground and then, as you press up from your heels, lift one leg. Alternate legs and make sure to keep your abdominals contracted throughout the movement and hold your body parallel to the floor. Do 10 repetitions for each leg.
Posted by: lynne at August 03, 2004 11:17 AM (HNhmk)
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Thanks for all the input - especially to Lawren's mom!
Posted by: Kelly at August 03, 2004 12:10 PM (6vP9X)
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