I've been trying forever and a day to eliminate my pesky, self-esteem rotting belly blubber. Mostly to no avail. I went through a phase of regularly doing sit-ups on the floor, but I would find after a few days that my lower back would hurt quite a bit - so I figured a healthy back is more important than a positive body image and I quit.
More recently, though, I acquired one of those fitness balls. They're a lot of body-twisting fun, let me tell you. If there are two pieces of indoor exercise equipment it's definitely worth blowing some moola on, I'd say it's a pair of dumbbells and a fitness ball. Those two relatively cheap items can go a long way in sharpening up your physique.
Anyway, back to the "ball-ups". Thanks to the fitness ball, I finally discovered something that actually works in the belly-crunching department, and is also sustainable (ie. it doesn't seem to be steadily destroying my back). I call the exercise "ball-ups". No, not "balls ups" - that's a whole different kettle of testicles (er.... I mean "fish").
Ball-ups are basically sit-ups done on a fitness ball, with a few minor qualifications aimed at saving my back. So, what's so special about a fitness ball, and why is it better than the floor? I think it all has to do with pressure on the lower back. The floor just doesn't give on the up motion, whereas the rubber ball gives a lot, allowing a more fluid, low intensity motion for the lower back.
So, here's how I enjoy my ball-ups...
I put my arms on my stomach, instead of outstretched above my head. Having my arms outstretched works alright for a few slow stretches, but when doing a lot of (say sixty) rapid repititions, it tends to result in next-morning lower back pain. This may have to do with it increasing the range of motion, or something. Outstretched arms also help in providing momentum on the up motion, which is bad because the stomach muscles - the ones you're trying to build - get it way too easy. Having my arms on my stomach also has the benefit of making me painfully aware of my belly blubber, as the up motion squishes it all together into this disgusting little gelatinous clump that motivates me like all hell to want to get rid of it.
I do my ball-ups in the buff, thank you very much for asking. Yes, in case the term "buff" is not clear enough for you (or perhaps you're feeling dizzy and reeling from the mental image), I do it NAKED! Shocking, I know. I'll post some pictures at some point (no I won't). Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you some JPGs (no I won't). Doing ball-ups in the buff is best, because if you're doing them in your underwear, said underwear can creep into bad places (think Wedgie Central), and if you're doing them fully clothed, then your pants can put too much pressure on your gut. Basically, whichever way you slice it, clothing just becomes a hassle. After a shower is a good time.
So, if you're looking to build up those washboard abs, learn the way of the ball-ups. I'm picturing millions of people all across the globe, naked, performing the sacred ritual act of ball-ups. In fact, I'm picturing YOU, personally (yes, I know who you are), naked, performing this sacred, health-giving exercise. And, I'm sure, you'll post some pictures on your Web site (no you won't)