Latest in diet wellbeing
I want a back without bulges!
Look great in a backless dress with our exercises for a lean back
Yoga-style exercises are best for safely strengthening and toning the back. Sports therapist Mike Irvine of www.personal-trainer.co.uk recommends the following:
Downward dog
Kneel on all fours, then push your legs up to standing while your hands remain on the floor. The aim is to straighten your legs so your arms and legs form an inverted ‘V’ shape. Try to get your heels on the floor and your hips pushed backwards. Keep pressing your palms hard into the floor as if you’re trying to push away from you (but don’t let your hands slide forward). Hold this posture for five deep breaths in and out. Repeat once or twice more.
The cobra
Lie on your tummy with your legs straight out behind you and your hands under your shoulders. Lift your head, neck and upper chest, keeping your head in line with your spine. Hold for three to five breaths. Repeat once or twice more.
The plank
Lie on your tummy with your legs straight out behind you and your hands under your shoulders. Press your toes into the floor and push away from your hands, lifting your legs, tummy and chest into a straight line. Hold for 30 seconds, blowing out of your mouth constantly to work your abdominal muscles.
Exercises for other areas
Click on the area you want to work, for more expert exercise advice
Any questions on backs without bulges?
How can I cheat?
‘Avoid low-rise trousers or skirts with shorter tops,’ says Laura. ‘Don’t give love handles a chance to creep out.’ Take advantage of this season’s high waistlines – they’re much more flattering on tricky areas. And invest in good control underwear, such as Revolution Shaping by Cette (£15 a pair, available in nude, black and white, and in small, medium and large), which give a smooth effect under tight-fitting clothing. Call 0870 333 3904 for stockists.
If I lose fat from my hips and lower back, will it improve my pear shape?
Laura says, ‘If you carry most of your weight further down your body, any eating or exercise regime will help get rid of that weight. The problem is, you can’t spot-reduce by diet alone – weight comes off from all over. But once you start to lose weight, you should notice a reduction in hip and back fat.’
What else should I be doing?
‘Hula-hooping in your living room is a fun way to create definition below the waist, and just ten minutes burns 70 calories,’ says personal trainer Laura Williams.
Is there a secret remedy?
Laura says: ‘Drinking green tea will boost your metabolism and make your body more efficient at burning areas of fat such as love handles.’
