Mel Andrews is a tutor at Lifetime Training, and has over ten years experience in personal training and GP referral instructing. Below she answers your fitness questions to help you get and stay in shape.
If you have a fitness question you would like answered by Mel, all you have to do is submit your question using the Comment on this Article box below. And remember – sign-up to our monthly health and fitness newsletter to receive your expert answer direct in your in-box.
Jayne Asks:
My breasts have got really droopy in the last few years and I’m considering cosmetic surgery to make them perkier, but I’d like that to be a last resort. Are there any exercises I can do to tone and lift that area?
Mel’s Answer:
There are plenty of exercises you can do! Here’s a good one that you can do at home.
Press ups:
Level 1 –
•Kneel on all fours with the hands a little wider than shoulder width apart and the knees below your hips.
•Keep the spine in a nice long neutral position (don’t let your tummy drop or your bum lift in the air) and keep your tummy pulled tight.
•Lower your upper body towards the floor until your elbows are at approximately right angles and push back up keeping a little bend at the elbow
•Make sure you are taking the weight of your upper body through your arms and not the lower back
•As you lower down, breath in. As you push up, breath out.
Try about 12 -15 of these (if you aren’t able to do that many do as many as you can up to that). Once you can reach the target of 15 and they feel easy, try the harder levels.
You can make this harder by taking the knees further behind you and resting on the area just above your knee caps or, if you’re feeling strong, go for the full press up by extending the legs further so that you are resting on your toes.
To make sure you work the body evenly make sure you do an exercise for the upper back as well. Something like a standing or seated row works well.
Mel Andrews, pictured. When taking up any new activities or exercise always consult with your GP first and ensure that you get advice from an appropriately qualified instructor.
For more information on fitness courses & more contact Lifetime Training on 0870 702 7273 or visit www.lifetimehf.co.uk
