WEIGHT LOSS: EXERCISE PROGRAMME

Stomach, back and buttock exercises

1 Lie on your back and raise your straight legs 90° to the rest of your body and slowly lower them (figure 8.1)

Figure 8.1

2 Raise both your upper body and your straight legs so that you look like a ‘V perched on your tailbone. Slowly lower (

3 When you are in the ‘V position above, open and close your straight legs several times

4 Lie on your back, lift one leg at right angles to your body, and, while it is still straight, bring it across your body and down to touch the hand of the opposite outstretched arm. Then do this to the other side

5 Roll on your tailbone in the pivoted position. Between each of these, have a rest and rotate your feet first round one way and then the other. Then take four deep breaths before you start again.

Shoulder shrugging exercises Shrug your shoulders up and down, up and down, and then rotate your arms backwards and forwards. This helps to strengthen the shoulder girdle and stop pins and needles which so many menopausal women complain of in bed, due to sagging of their shoulder muscles. Chest exercises With your hands outstretched in front, clasp your hands and press them firmly together so that you feel your pectoral muscles contracting.

Remember, do these exercises every day and you will be surprised. In a matter of weeks your figure will alter dramatically.