Stretch, tone, exercise me

What’s really long, purple, stretchy and gives me a well-toned body?

No, it’s not Ethan…don’t worry, I have not gone totally bonkers. It’s the purple elastic thingy he is playing with. Ever since I weaned Ethan off from the breast, I feel as if I have gotten fatter. With no more breastfeeding, my 2-3 times a day *cardio workout* has been eliminated from my life. Maybe that explains why I have been feeling more tired than usual these days. I have also begun to notice my tummy getting a tad flabbier, and I really hate it that my arms are beginning to look unsculpted. Must look good in tank tops maaa….

What I needed was more time to exercise, or alternatively a exercise regime that I could fit into my schedule without compromising anything. Thanks to the fabulous suggestion from my good girlfriend Audrey, I got myself one of these exercise bands from Fitness Concept (also knowned as resistance bands). They come in three different tensile strengths for different levels of difficulty. I got the medium tensile strength band and it cost me all of RM29.80.

Don’t underestimate this exercise band though. It may look like nothing at all, but I can do loads with it. Here are some of my favorite moves:

  • Bicep curls (stand on mid portion of band and hold either end of the band, then raise arms from elbow ala lifting weights)
  • Tricep extensions (sit cross-legged on the mid portion of the band, and holding either end of it, raise both arms vertically above head. Then lower and raise as appropriate)
  • Chest press, arms and abs stretch (sit on the floor with legs extended, wrap mid portion of band on soles of feet. Grab either end of band and wrap elbows round it with arms in front of face, elbows bent at 90°. Open and close arms, maintaining the 90° angle at the elbows)

And those are just scratching the surface. There are quite a number of exercise moves included in pictorial form on the band itself too! If those aren’t enough, I found a whole lot more just by googling for it. And if you’re wondering… these exercises really do work wonders! I can feel my arms getting firmer and more toned after just a week or so of doing these exercises. And best of all, I can now exercise while watching TV! How awesome is that!?  I’m also keeping the receipt to claim for tax relief under the category of “Exercise Equipment”.  Whooopppeeeee!!!

Don’t you think it is rather ironic that I took a picture of my former exercise *equipment* playing with my new one?

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12 Responses to Stretch, tone, exercise me

  1. Wah! thanks for the info!
    *rushes out to find exercise band*

    The Giddy Tigress says: Great! Let’s see you in leotards striking a pose with the band then!

  2. rinnah says:

    That looks interesting! Mebbe I should get me one of those stretchy thingies to incorporate into my fitness routine…

    The Giddy Tigress says: I tell you, you won’t regret it. I know I didn’t.

  3. Never heard of it but would love to have it soon. 🙂

    The Giddy Tigress says: I have also never heard of it till my friend told me about it…haha…it’s a blogger’s exercise tool huh?

  4. sharine says:

    Oh yes… this is a good investment… I got myself a rope like with handles resistance band (forgot what it’s actual name) before I got marry and now it’s just staying in the storeroom! Read up more on Shape or Fitness magazines and they introduced lots more of interesting fiteness gadgets for different lifestyle busy women… I was once the loyal reader…

    The Giddy Tigress says: I have never read those mags before, but I was an ardent gym-goer.

  5. mistipurple says:

    that’s such a cool idea. the maker is so smart.

    The Giddy Tigress says: Yeah, must be a TV addict too!

  6. ehon says:

    i… i… er.. no idea. 😛

    but ethan looks cute though!!!! 😀 😀

    The Giddy Tigress says: Haha…thanks Ehon!

  7. Chen says:

    And, on the other hand, Ethan must be wondering what on earth is his mummy doing with that purple stretchy stuff 😀

    The Giddy Tigress says: You know, I was wondering the same thing. Oh, I try not to exercise with him around though (I only do it when he’s asleep) – he would want to play with the band!

  8. laundryamah says:

    alamak..i thot running after the kids n lifting them up is good enuf exercise….no wonder still so fat ler me…

    The Giddy Tigress says: I also thought that was enough, but that will only take care of the cardio…not the toning.

  9. Paik Ling says:

    So diligent! After I deliver, my exercise would be called “Marie France”!

    The Giddy Tigress says: You’re willing to be pohpiah-ed ah? 😛

  10. Hijackqueen says:

    I thought that piece of thing was for body wrap. haha..

    The Giddy Tigress says: Hey, I don’t do body wraps la…don’t wanna be a popiah!

  11. jazzmint says:

    wahh so keng…i also thought it was for body wrapping LOL

    The Giddy Tigress says: It’s a simple piece of equipment that really works!

  12. Cheesey Poo says:

    I must say your former exercise equipment looks way more adorable!

    The Giddy Tigress says: Oh, I could not agree with you more!

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