The Sit-Up Challenge

So summer is coming around again, and we all want a slightly more toned stomach, a touch more of a tan, and a tad less of the holiday weight for which we have been excusing ourselves since Christmas. Like many of you, I am not an avid gym-goer, nor am I a jogging freak (there are few worse things I can think of than huffing and puffing and collapsing in public covered in expensive running accessories). However, I recently spoke to a friend who is a personal trainer, and he taught me a good number of ways to exercise in one’s home – huffing and puffing in private rather than on the pavement. Pick two of these magic five variations on the sit-up to do each evening, if possible, and every other if not;

The Sit-Up; I’m sure you have all heard of this miraculous movement which gives the likes of Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow their toned tummies. Lay on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat upon the floor. Either cross your arms over your chest, or clasp on to the back of your head, and then, keeping your feet on the floor, sit up. This is one way to do it, but personally, I find it more useful to rest your hands on your upper thighs, and sliding them up to your knee when you sit up – this gives you an exact point at which to pause and sit back down again.

The Twist; lay on your back with your legs out straight. Take a heavy book, or bottle, and if no such object is available, then simply clasp your hands together. Then, as you sit up, bend one leg at the knee towards you whilst simultaneously bringing your hands around to the other side. This twisting movement helps to tone your waist and your hips. Try to keep your legs straight without touching the ground – it’s difficult, but sometimes short and intense is the easier way!

Mission Impossible; For this one, lie flat on the ground, arms by your side and legs crossed at the ankle, but straightened. Lift your legs up so they are slightly off the floor (as before) then raise yourself as you did for exercise one, ‘The Sit-Up’, using either of the hand techniques. However, as you bring yourself up this time, bring in both legs at the same time. This is also extremely hard, but it works to tone your bum, tum, hips and thighs (and if you’re lucky, your calves as well).

The Slightly Simpler Twist; Place both hands on the back of your head, and your feet flat on the floor as with the standard sit-up. As your raise yourself this time, twist at the waist so that your elbow touches the opposite knee.

Double Trouble; This brute of an exercise is the hybrid produced by numbers 3 and 4. Outstretch your legs and cross them at the ankles, as in ‘Mission Impossible’. Place your hand on the back of your head in the “I surrender!” position, and twist as you sit up whilst bringing both legs in towards you. This is quite simply a more torturous version of ‘Mission Impossible’. Good luck, agent.

As useful and miraculous these exercises are in terms of results, remember to not strain yourself or exercise straight after eating. Similarly, don’t work out on an empty stomach, so as to avoid stitch and more serious damage to your body. Good luck, and remember that while these silly movements may seem utterly ridiculous, no-one is watching! Huff and puff all you like, and do so in the comfort of your own room with a nearby fridge.