This article was published in the January 2011 issue of Jet Club Magazine and was chosen by editor, Linda Mali, as one of the top articles of the year.
 Christmas, New Year and all the festivities have by now wreaked havoc with once tight abs and toned muscles. Time to get back into shape – but what’s involved? The cost of joining a gym can range from 15000 a month to 50000 plus – but whether you decide to join a gym or work out at home, Diane Cassere gives us some hot tips for getting back into shape:
Abdominal workouts
These exercises work your core musculature – the muscles of your middle abdomen, on your sides and those that form the bridge between your torso and lower body.
On the ball
This uses an exercise ball which is a big, air-filled plastic ball that you sit on. The idea is that by trying to keep your balance – i.e. stay on the ball – you are strengthening your core muscles. Sit on the ball with your feet on the ground and lean back so that your back is supported by the ball. Holding your hands behind your ears, raise your upper body to a sitting position, then lie down again, leaning against the ball. Repeat, sitting up straight, then twist your upper body to the left side while keeping legs straight, then to the right. First do three sets of 10 of each position, building up to five sets of 10 and finally, over a three-week period, to 10 sets of 10.
Using equipment
Use the stepper – without holding the handlebar – and the machine that works your abdominal muscles, you sit up while leaning over a bar against your abdomen.
If you don’t have weights, choose anything heavy that you can hold in both hands. Stand up with the weight held out in front of you in both hands, and turn your upper body, first to one side and then to the other.
Basic kit
You need a basic tog bag, comfortable shorts or track suit pants, and T-shirts. Most gyms require you to wear footwear on the machines, so get a basic pair of takkies and comfortable socks. None of this gear needs to be expensive.
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