Can someone enlighten me on how to do good toning stomach

Body: 

exercises that don't compromise posture? I was doing this: laying on back, knees bent, legs in air, lower back to ground, one leg out in, next leg out in. OK/ or not?

Thanks,\

Marie

Don't think you should have legs in the air. Maybe laying on back, knees bent then hold pelvic floor and slide one leg out straight (by sliding foot along the floor) while you exhale, then inhale as you bring it back to a bent knee, do alternate legs while maintaining pelvic floor. This is just a basic pilates move but I don't think it compromises on the posture. Having legs in the air puts a lot of pressure on pelvic floor though from what I've read. My physio gave me a sheet of these moves and none of them has any that compromise posture, or have any crunches etc.

The only thing that is different is the idea of gently pulling in the lower abdominals whilst doing the moves.. is this something you disagree with Christine? I know it's not something you recommend for walking and sitting posture, but would you say is it ok for just doing these moves? Since I've been doing a little abdominal bracing I've noticed some improvment (unless it's my imagination!)

What you describe PTs have been teaching forever, and yes Pilates too. I think you know enough by now about the dynamics of the female spine and pelvis to sense for yourself whether these exercises are benign and/or beneficial. The abdominal muscles are meant to work as back stabilizers and not prime movers, so keep that in mind when you are evaluating a particular exercise.