Stability Ball

[Debby]

It is EXTREMELY difficult for anyone to bulk up, especially women. Getting bulky is nothing we ever have to worry about, no matter how much weights we lift. Unless, of course you make it a full time job - say 8 hours every day - and taking steroids. I do have noticeable muscles when I flex them, but hardly bulky.

Anybody can write a fitness or diet blog, and many are full of misinformation.

I guess I'm more concerned because although I'm sort of petite (5'4" -116 lbs) I do bulk up very easily so I definitely wouldn't do an exercise like this back in my pre-menopausal years. Now not so much of a concern as muscle mass is diminishing a bit despite the workouts.

 

[jujube]

I get enough "crunches" when I get out of bed in the morning or get up from the couch. No voluntary crunches for me!

 

[tnthomas]

I see all sizes of balls in use at the gym, but sitting on one doesn't look so stable to me; I really could not use one. There are a lot of core exercises we do in the Silver Sneakers Classic class, mostly seated in a chair.

My new trainer advised me to use a stability ball to work on my core.... after I complained about added weight around my middle.

I have the same concern, however you can only target muscle groups to tone but can't really target weight loss on a specific part of your body, an overall reduction is the only solution.

 

[Ameriscot]

I guess I'm more concerned because although I'm sort of petite (5'4" -116 lbs) I do bulk up very easily so I definitely wouldn't do an exercise like this back in my pre-menopausal years. Now not so much of a concern as muscle mass is diminishing a bit despite the workouts.

You are unique then, as even men with their testosterone have trouble bulking up. I do have muscle definition, but as one who has gained/lost/gained/lost plus the fact that at our age skin loses its elasticity, I do have loose skin that will never tighten up. Especially my triceps (batwings). I do have lots of muscle underneath the batwings, and also very well defined biceps but there's no point in me whining about it anymore. They won't tighten up without surgery and I'm not that vain.