Bender Ball: Achieve Your Goals

Bender Ball Obliges Obliques

2010-07-31T23:38:00.000-07:00

You can also use your Bender Ball to give your oblique muscles a run for their money along with the rectus abdominus muscle. Carefully lie back on the Bender Ball with your feet flat on the floor. Roll back slowly until your thighs and body are parallel with the floor. Then raise your body up while contracting your abs, up to a 45 degree angle, but not more. The closer that your feet are together the less stable you will rest on the Bender Ball and the better of a workout you will give those internal and external oblique muscles.

Bicycling the Bender Ball Way

2010-07-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

The beauty of the Bender Ball is that you give your abs a great workout without the need to strain your back, while at the same time using the abdominal muscles in a more efficient, effective manner. There are many ways to use the Bender Ball to get crunchless abs into your routine of exercise and fitness. Here are some new and maybe not so new ideas for Bender Ball exercise fun. How about trying the famous bicycle exercise with your Bender Ball.?

Just lay back using the Bender Ball to support your loser back. Then put your hands behind your head gently, do not pull or strain your neck in any way. Then bring your knees up to as close to a 45 degree angle as you can manage, and slowly rotate your legs as if you were riding a bicycle in a slow and smooth pedaling motion. Try to touch you right knee to your left elbow and your left knee to your right elbow. Remember to breathe slowly and evenly throughout.

This exercise is one of the best ways to give a great workout the rectus abdominus muscle, the main abdominal wall muscle which stretches from the pubic bone to the ribs.

Bender Ball Exercise a Brand New Start

2010-07-16T23:35:00.000-07:00

The fun of summer reminds us that the years go by really fast, and that sometimes we need some new ideas to motivate us to be better and work harder to get to our goals. Incorporating Bender Ball into an exercise routine is a fantastic way to get to the level of health we want. It is also good to remind ourselves that if its good health that we want, Bender Ball is just a first step in a well-rounded program of healthy eating and fitness. It’s great to focus on that abs, but in order to have a healthy body to match; we must eat well and exercise the rest of our bodies, too.

Eating Out No Danger with Bender Ball Protection

2010-07-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest challenges to keeping in shape is eating properly. Summer presents an especially difficult challenge for me, because when I’m traveling, and when the kids are around more than usual, it is so tempting to go out to a restaurant for meals. I love eating out, and my kids are always on good behavior at restaurants, which is more than I can say about eating at home. So it becomes a real treat to go out with the family for a meal. But once at the restaurant I have a psychological need to get something new, or special, or different. After all, I went to all the trouble of coming to a restaurant, why should I order something that I can make just as well or even better at home. Or something that I eat all the time, like a salad. So what happens? I order something interesting and special, which also means fattening. I know I shouldn’t, but I do anyway.

But since I discovered Bender Ball, this has become almost a non-issue. My exercise plan with Bender Ball helps me to melt it off, to burn off any extra calories I may have consumed eating that yummy cordon bleu with buttered mashed potatoes on the side, or even worse, French Fries. I just add one five minute session of Bender Ball use, and I don’t have to worry about adding any pounds to my physique. So enjoy your meals at restaurants this summer. As long as you have your Bender Ball, you have nothing to fear.

Summer Vacation with Bender Ball

2010-06-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

Have you begun planning your summer vacation yet? Not too long ago I used to dread the summer. Summer always meant to me feeling uncomfortable in a bathing suit, always wondering if people were looking at my enlarged tummy, or wobbly thighs. But that was then, and this is now. Since I discovered my Bender Ball and the easy way I have been able to melt it off, I enjoy my summers just like everyone else. We are thinking about renting out a little beach house, and just spending the lazy, hot days of summer relaxing on the beach, playing some tennis or volleyball, and not doing much of anything else. But one thing I will continue with are my crunch-less abs using my Bender Ball. Since the Bender Ball is so easy to transport, and working out with it hardly takes up any of my time, I will not forgo my five minutes of Bender Ball workouts. After all, Bender Ball and crunch-less abs are the reason I can go away to a Beach resort in the first place.

Keeping a Positive Attitude

2010-06-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I find going to the beach quite depressing. It's not easy to stay focused on yourself and your own personal goals when you look around and see so many people who look amazing. I know, for myself, that I look great and that I've been doing my crunchless abs with my Bender Ball and really working on my fitness and my physique.

But, somehow that doesn't always translate to feeling great at the beach. So, the way I see it, I have a few options. I can decide to ban the beach and the pool altogether and have a miserable summer. Not a great option. I can keep to my exercise schedule, continue using my Bender Ball and trying to melt it off, and simply remind myself at the beach about how far I've come; or I can go to the beach and sulk the whole time because I don't look as great as others do.

I vote for the middle choice. And so, I continue venturing out, even if my body isn't as gorgeous, buff or fit as some. I deserve to have just as much fun as other people, and I'm going to give myself that enjoyment! And, I know that my crunchless abs are making a difference and that, if I keep doing them and keep to my routine, I'll see even better results soon enough!

Bender Ball and Slimming Down

2010-06-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Bender Ball is a great way of slimming down, and it’s easy too since with around just 5 minutes a day, you can begin to see results relatively quickly. But some people are nonetheless frustrated that they are working really hard on their workouts and diets but nothing is happening. In a case like this, it is worth looking into the possible reasons why you are not losing weight. In this blog with a slideshow, seven reasons are suggested: http://www.fitsugar.com/home?page=1#post_8622093

More on T.V. Viewing and Bender Ball

2010-06-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm a T.V. junkie. I love to watch a good hour or two of T.V. at night to unwind and enjoy time with my wife. I know that this isn't the best use of my time, per se, but it does allow me to relax and to enjoy a bit of an escape. As I mentioned before, however, I've started to use my T.V. time in more creative ways and I'm finding that I am a really good multi-tasker.

Bender Ball Viewing

Since I use the Bender Ball, and it's incredibly compact and non-disruptive, I'm able to get 20-30 minutes of crunchless abs in over the course of the evening. And, doing this while being entertained means that I'm enjoying that time even more - and staying motivated to exercise.

Creativity with Bender Ball

Certainly, this doesn't mean that I am advocating nonstop T.V. viewing - but I am advocating finding creative ways to use your time wisely - and to make sure to get that Bender Ball time in during your day!

T.V. Junkie

2010-05-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I'm a T.V. junkie. I love to watch a number of television shows, and I don't like to let anything get in my way. I justify it by saying that I work hard all day and that I need the time to unwind at night. While this might be true, I know that it's simply an excuse to be a lazy man.

So, I've decided that, if I'm going to watch t.v., I might was well make use of the time when I do so. I've made an agreement with myself that I'm allowed to watch an hour or two of t.v. at night as long as:

1. I do some crunchless abs with my Bender Ball while I'm watching. If I arrange that I do 10 minutes of crunchless abs at the beginning of each show, and 10 minutes at the end of each show, that's really quite a lot of Bender Ball use!

2. No snacking. The major danger of watching television is snacking. I eat a good dinner at night, and then I've committed to myself that I won't snack while watching t.v.

3. Early to bed. Finally, I have to get into bed at a good hour. Just because I want to watch one more episode, it's not an excuse to be tired the next day.

These three rules have helped me to enjoy my t.v. viewing, while at the same time finding ways to melt it off! Creativity at its best.

Melt It Off Fast with the Bender Ball

2010-05-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

Truth be told, I guess I could be accused of being a little impatient. When I work for something, I want to see results and I want to see them fast. That is why I love the Bender Ball so much. I don’t have time at the end of a long day at the office to start exercising and building up a sweat for hours. I want to be able to melt it off pretty much straight away. Well, thanks to the Bender Ball, that is exactly what I am able to do. Without any uncomfortable exercise moves, the Bender Ball has been allowing me to do crunchless abs that give me all the gain without any of the pain. That’s exactly what works for someone like me, and what has been giving me the great results I’ve been seeking since as long as I can remember.

Do Easy Crunchless Abs with the Bender Ball

So if you are looking for the easy way out (and, let’s face it, these days who isn’t?) I would suggest you try to melt it off with the Bender Ball. You only need around 5 minutes a day as well (which for a busy executive like me, also really works). That is good because so many people find that they are trying to melt it off with exhausting and gruesome workouts that take away all their precious leisure or family time. This will no longer be a problem when you start using the Bender Ball.

Summer Incentive

2010-05-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

It's always good to have an incentive in front of you, and I've made my most recent incentive my summer trip. We are hoping to go to Hawaii this summer for a great vacation. So, I've put a great picture on the refrigerator of the sunset in Hawaii to inspire me. That way, every time that I go to the refrigerator, I remember that I'm trying to eat well to look great for Hawaii.

I also have a picture on the front door so that I keep myself inspired for exercise. When I sit in my living room doing my crunchless abs with my Bender Ball, I can look at the picture and keep my focus on the prize. It also helps to push me out the door so I'm more willing to go walking or running with this goal in mind.

Certainly, exercise is important every day - and not just for some trip or goal that we have. But, if you can think of something inspirational to keep you moving, all the better!

Exercising Through Sickness

2010-04-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

Being sick is no fun. That's for sure. I don't know about you, but when I'm sick, I really don't feel like exercising. What I've found recently, however, is that the exercise that I don't want to do is cardiovascular. I don't feel like going walking, riding the bike, or any of the other activities that I normally do.

What I am willing to do, however, when I'm sick is crunchless abs with my Bender Ball! I've found this to be a great compromise when I'm sick. While I don't get my whole exercise routine in, I'm still able to do something and to keep up a bit of my routine. This enables me to continue with at least part of my routine when I'm not feeling well, which makes it easier to get back into my regular routine when I finally feel better!

Consider this when you are sick - rather than giving up all of your exercise to nurse your cold, perhaps you are still willing to maintain some of your routine and to feel like you're accomplishing at least a bit of your goals.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Easter always signals the beginning of Spring, and I love when it arrives. The big sign of Spring for me is when I take down the summer clothes and start to put the winter clothes away. What a fun experience!

This year is even more fun than others, because I'm finding that many of my summer clothes don't fit me! Between the crunchless abs work that I've been doing with my Bender Ball, the walking and the weight lifting, I've really lost some weight this year and changed my shape.

Of course, I've noticed this weight loss, but I don't think I realized just how significant it was until I took out last year's clothes. What a great surprise and a great way to start the summer season off right!

Easter Traditions Help to Stay in Shape

2010-04-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Last month we had St. Patrick’s Day to worry about, and now we have Easter. I hope your Easter was as enjoyable and meaningful as mine. Once again however, it is hard to avoid eating too much. When family and friends gather together, it is impossible not to inundate your loved ones with food, especially the really delicious fattening kind.

My family is really great this way. Almost all of us are being careful with what we eat these days. All my family knows how much I am getting out of my Bender Ball, and a few of my cousins have even started regular exercise with their own Bender Balls. So whoever is hosting is careful to make a few of our favorite, traditional foods, and is careful to keep the amount of high-calorie, unnecessary snacks, desserts and side dishes to a minimum.

And after dinner we usually go for a long walk, all of us together, which is a family tradition that I really love.

I hope you had a great, low calorie, meaningful and joyous Easter.

Bender Ball is My Favorite for Exercising

2010-03-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

My favorite workout device is my Bender Ball. It is so portable; I can bring it with me to work, on vacation, or to my friend’s house when I go over for some coffee and to chat. It’s also so easy to use. I don’t need a separate room for it, or a basement. And working out with Bender Ball is a pleasure. I feel like I am preserving the health of my back while at the same time giving my abdominals an efficient and strenuous work out. Discovering Bender Ball was one of the luckiest things that has happened to me. Bender Ball has made the difference for me as far as exercising and staying fit and healthy is concerned. And those are things that are extremely important to me. If you have never done a workout with a Bender Ball, you should find someone to show you just what a time-saving, convenient and result achieving device it really is.

A Few Beers Don't Worry Me Anymore

2010-03-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Did you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Well, even though I am not Irish, I love St. Patrick’s Day, but just like any other celebration, it is easy to over eat. We watched the parade, of course, and then we went out for a few beers, (I know, calories, calories.) We also had a big lunch, and sat around talking and having a generally fun afternoon.

During our horsing around after a few (too many) beers some of the guys were telling me about their struggle with their weight. All my buddies used to be athletic in some way. Jack was a star basketball player in High School. Rick was a football jock. Larry played tennis. They all agreed that now with their high-pressure jobs, families, mortgages, car payments, etc… There is just no time left to play the sports that they love so much. But even worse, since they don’t even exercise a little, except for occasionally running a few miles, maybe once in a week, if there is time, they really never exercise.

Well, I told them all about my Bender Ball, and that definitely go their attention. When I told them that I take mine to work, vacations, and workout with it just about every day, they were spellbound. And they all told me that they could see, just by looking at me, that this Bender Ball method really worked.

I added that I didn’t even worry about the few extra beers I had, because I know that when I get home I will work out with my Bender Ball for a few minutes, and the effects of the beers will be nullified.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Reward Yourself with Rewarding Exercise

2010-03-05T04:20:00.000-08:00

Last time I began a list of tips and information which will help you begin and stay on a rewarding exercise program. Here is the rest of the list.

6. Begin thinking “healthy.” What small habits can you add or change which will make each and every day a bit healthier? For example: think about parking farther away so that you can walk further to your destination; use the stairs, not the elevator or escalator; drink more water; eat less fast food or salty and sweet snacks.

7. Give yourself a prize when you achieve your goals. How does a message sound? Or some new clothes?

8. Stay goal oriented, and keep the goals short-term. Long-term goals are great, but it is hard to stay focused on them. Set daily or weekly goals, and when you meet them, reward yourself. Be sure the reward is not counterproductive!

9. Be prepared! Set out your gym bag, workout clothes, shoes and whatever else you need, like your Bender Ball, ahead of time, so when you get back from work you are all set to go!
10. Don’t allow yourself to get too hungry. Eat smaller meals more often, it is healthier and keeps you from over indulging out of extreme hunger when you do finally eat.

Exercise is a fantastic way to stay healthy and feel great. Simple exercise apparatuses can help you focus on certain goals more efficiently, like strengthening your abdominal muscles with use of the Bender Ball, which I have found quite helpful.

Tips For Great Exercise Results with Bender Ball

2010-02-25T04:04:00.000-08:00

Since I have gotten involved in a regular exercise routine, including using my Bender Ball at least once day, and sometimes even more, I have become interested in becoming more familiar with the different types of exercise and how each effects different parts of your body to achieve different goals. In my next two posts I want to discuss in a bit of a more serious way than I usually post some important information about exercise that everyone that is thinking about starting a work-out schedule ought to know.

Let’s start with the five first things you should be aware of:

1. Step one is to get a complete physical from you doctor so that you know you are in the right shape to start an exercise program, and what your limits and goals should be. It is also good advice to contact a personal trainer who can advise you about your level of fitness is, how much body fat you have, your measurements, and what is the best way for you to begin.

2. Begin slowly. It is a mistake to plunge into exercise if you haven’t done any in a while. Most experts say that about 20 to 30 minutes of walking each day, or even three times per week, is a good way to begin. You can add a few minutes each time you work out and progress to everyday if you have the time. The important thing is to start.

3. Keep a journal of your work-outs. This will help you visualize your progress and give you confidence. Write down what you did, how you felt, and in what ways you have improved since your last workout.

4. Make an appointment with yourself to exercise, just like you would make an appointment with a doctor. Schedule it in and keep the appointment!

5. Get a friend, or spouse, to work out with you. There’s nothing like company on the exercise journey.

Renewing Your Exercise Committment

2010-02-18T01:41:00.000-08:00

Mid February is a hard time to stay motivated. The winter has lasted for quite awhile - but it's not yet over. You start to feel punchy and a bit fed up with your exercise routine. Here are a few ways to stay on top of your exercise and to feel rejuvenated about it.

1. Step it up for one month - Commit to adding to your exercise for the next month. Try to commit to exercising every day for the next month and see if you can stick to it. This might breathe some energy into your routine.

2. Add to your routine - If you're bored with your exercise, add something in to spice things up. Use a Bender Ball this month rather than doing plain sit ups. Go swimming rather than running on the treadmill. Find some way to spice up your routine and to add something interesting and new to it.

3. Get a partner - Sometimes, going to the gym with someone else, or playing racket ball with a friend can spice up your exercise routine and add some energy to it. See if you can find someone who wants to get fit with you, and you can enjoy each other's company!

More Valentine's Day Ideas

2010-02-10T01:37:00.000-08:00

Ok - so if you didn't like the last set of Valentine's Day ideas, I'm offering more for the needy man. Here are some more ideas that she'll love and that will put you in her good graces for a bit.

1. A Spa Day - So this idea costs a bit, but it might be worth it. Give her anything from a coupon for one massage, to a coupon for a whole day at the spa. She'll come back relaxed and thanking you!

2. A Quick Get-Away - This is particularly valuable if you have kids. Find a babysitter and plan a quick get-away without telling her. She'll love the surprise and the two of you will enjoy your time away together.

3. Game Night - If she enjoys playing games, you can purchase a new, fun game for the two of you to enjoy. You can even secretly invite over a few friends and have a game night together.

4. Gym Membership - If you think she'd enjoy getting this gift and it won't offend her, buy her a one year gym membership. She'll be thinking of you as she gets healthier! If this is too much, you can buy a basket and fill it with gym supplies such as a workout outfit, a Bender Ball, a bottle of water and some ankle weights.

Hope these ideas help. It's almost Valentine's Day, so get shopping if you are still empty handed!

Valentine's Day Gifts

2010-02-02T01:32:00.000-08:00

From one guy to another, I'm reminding you that Valentine's Day is coming up! Don't forget about this holiday - or you'll be in hot water with your gal for quite awhile. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to say "I Love You" and to stay in your lady's good graces.

1. Flowers - This is always a winner. It doesn't have to cost too much, but it reminds her that you are thinking of her.

2. Exercise Equipment - Now, if your girl is sensitive about her weight, don't give her this gift! If, however, she enjoys exercising and it will be thoughtful, you could buy her some ankle weights, a Bender Ball, a jump rope and such.

3. Tickets to a Movie or Play - Get out and enjoy some entertainment together. This gift offers you some fun as well!

These are a few of the many ways that you can say that you are thinking of her. Just remember to say something!

Snowy Exercise Routine

2010-01-26T01:29:00.000-08:00

It's not always to come up with an exercise routine in the snow. Sure, if you have a gym membership, you don't have to think about the weather. I, however, like to exercise by walking outside, and when the weather turns really cold and snowy, I lose my "gym." So, here is what I do in the winter to stay in shape.

1. Exercise Videos - I have a number of videos that I use when I can't walk outside. These include kick boxing, Pilates and weight training.

2. Bender Ball - Fortunately, I've always got my Bender Ball. I use it for at least 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening as part of my exercise routine.

3. Leg Lifts - I try to do leg lifts each evening on each leg. I put on some fun music and do leg exercises. You can find ideas on the web and just follow the simple instructions that they give.

What I DON'T do in the winter is decide to give up on my exercise routine! It is very important to keep moving, even when the weather makes me want to get into bed. And I try hard to stick to this idea when I can't walk outside.

Back Pain Be Gone

2010-01-12T03:18:00.000-08:00

I've always had slight back troubles. I'm one of those people who has to be careful when he picks up packages from the floor, and who has to opt-out of helping to move that heavy refrigerator. So, I was recently shocked when I realized how strong my back feels these days.

I was at work recently and someone asked me to help him move a table. Jumping to the task before thinking, I realized in the middle of the task that I probably shouldn't be there. But, how was I going to get out of finishing the job? Obviously, I wasn't. And when we had finished moving the table and I straightened back up, I realized how good I felt. Usually, if I do engage in activities of this sort, my back will be sore and I'll know that I overdid it.

I attribute my added strength to my new stomach muscles. The bender ball materials and my own research explained that I should feel stronger and more fit with better stomach muscles. And I'm living proof that it really is true and that even 10 minutes a day can really make a difference! Amazing!

A New Year with Bender Ball

2010-01-05T03:15:00.001-08:00

I can't remember the last time that I wrote up a New Year's resolution that didn't include losing weight and getting in better shape. Is it actually possible to write a list that doesn't include these necessities? I'm actually here to report that it is possible!

Before the near year, I always like to sit down and take stock of the past year - and look to the future. And I write up a list of about 10 things that I'd like to achieve during the year. Sometimes they are financial, sometimes they are about travel or job changes or family. And there is always something about getting in shape. When I finished my list this year - I simply couldn't believe it. Since I've been working really hard to get in shape with my gym membership and my bender ball, I simply didn't put that on the list.

Now, I didn't consciously say that I wasn't going to put it on my New Year's list. It just simply didn't appear when I took stock of my life. What a liberating feeling!

Bender Ball Helps Me Say TGIF!

2009-11-06T23:47:00.000-08:00

Last week was crazy. I was so busy at work, and the kids were sick and stayed home from school. My wife took a few days off from work and came home early the other days. Now I know what it means when people say TGIF! In the evenings my wife and I felt so frazzled we just fell onto the couch after dinner and stared at each other. Last night I was feeling so down that I said to her, “I am way too tired to work out now. Let’s just watch the news and go to sleep.” But my wife is really amazing. She just got up, put a really fun CD into the stereo, then went into the den and got our Bender Balls. We started our usual workout, and you know what? I felt rejuvenated and happy! It’s really amazing. I never knew exercise could make such a difference in your life, and it’s all because Bender Ball makes it easy and fun. Now I can go to sleep knowing that I did something healthy and positive for myself, and I will wake up tomorrow ready to roll!

First Pack the Bender Ball!

2009-10-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

It’s snowing! It’s a bit early in the year, and it’s really only flurries, but I love snow. And they say that the mountains have already a foot of snow, and that by the Thanksgiving holiday there should be enough snow to open up the resort I want to go to. My wife is not so sure she wants to go skiing, though. She is worried about my fall five years ago, and thinks it could happen again, especially since I am five years older.

I told my wife she shouldn’t worry because since starting my work outs with my Bender Ball I actually feel five years younger than I did five years ago. So I got my wife to agree and we will probably make reservations this coming week for the Thanksgiving weekend. The first thing I will pack will be my Bender Ball.

Winter's Coming: Let's Go Skiing!

2009-10-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

The days are really getting colder. Yesterday we had the biggest rainstorm of the year so far, and I heard that some snow fell in the mountains. I hope to get up to do some skiing this winter, a sport that I haven’t participated in for about 5 years. I used to be pretty good, doing the intermediate slopes expertly. But as I got older and was eating like a pig and not getting exercise, skiing became too much for me. The last time I went, I remember feeling so totally exhausted after the first day, that I just stayed in the lodge the next day playing cards and drinking coffee and hot cocoa all day. Bummer. The third day I went back to the slopes, but I took a bad fall and twisted my ankle, but it was so bad I got an x-ray to make sure it wasn’t broken. Like I said, that was the last time I went skiing, and that was about five years ago.

But this year I feel different. I really feel great since I lost weight with the help of my Bender Ball, and I’m hoping that I can ease into a few days of some real skiing fun. And since I can bring my Bender Ball with me so easily, I will be able to find at least 10 minutes each day to work out. I am really amazed how Bender Ball has changed my life.

My Doctor, His Secretary and My Bender Ball

2009-10-10T02:16:00.000-07:00

Hurray. At the beginning of this week I had by long-awaited doctor’s appointment and I must say I made a real impression, not just on my doctor, but on the secretary in the waiting room, too. Sylvia has been the secretary there as long as I’ve been seeing this doctor, about 10 years, and she knows me pretty well. But she hadn’t seen me in quite a while, and when I walked in the door Sylvia said, “Steve, you really look great! You must have lost at least 10 pounds!” I told her it was closer to 17 pounds. Then she asked me how I did it? Of course I told her all about Bender Ball, and even gave her the address of my blog so she could follow my progress just like you are.

And what did the doctor say? Well, he told me that I have reached my ideal weight already. When he said, “Loose 20 pounds,” what he meant was “about 20 pounds,” and that the 17.5 pounds that I already lost is fine. He checked my cholesterol, which we discussed over the phone when the results came back, and he said I improved enormously, and if I can maintain this level, I won’t need to go on any medications. As for the blood pressure, that also went down a bit, back to acceptable levels, and the doctor is generally pleased with my progress. I told him about how I enjoy exercising with Bender Ball, which makes all the difference. He thought it was a great idea that I have this blog, and wanted to know if he could give the blog address to some of his patients that also need to lose weight and exercise more. Of course I said yes. The Bender Ball is a real life saving device, and I am so thankful I found it.

Facing Adversity with Confidence and My Bender Ball

2009-10-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I have my physical, but I am looking forward to it for the first time in about 5 years. I haven’t felt this fit since my college days and at my last physical about a year ago, my doctor told me to lose about 20 pounds and get my blood pressure and cholesterol down. I feel really confident that I have achieved those goals, except for the 20 pounds- I need another 3-5 pounds to lose to get to my ideal weight, according to my doctor. I have no fear about being able to lose a few more pounds, because I have my Bender Ball both at the office and at home, and I never miss spending a few minutes every day working on my abs and doing other workouts, too. I’ll let you know how I did.

Coffee Breaks and Bender Balls

2009-09-15T02:12:00.000-07:00

Well the summer is over and now I’m back to the old routine. I haven’t decided if it’s easier to exercise day in and day out, or harder. I know during my long summer holiday I had my wife around 24/7, and she was a big help getting me to maintain a routine even though we were always on the go. Now that the days are getting cooler and shorter, I see my wife much less, and in many ways its harder to stay on top of my eating and exercise regimen. Luckily at work there is a large lounge where I can go for breaks and that is usually where I fit in about 10 minutes of crunches almost every day.

I actually bought another Bender Ball which I keep in the office. I like having one at home, too, in case its so hectic at work that I don’t even have ten minutes to exercise. Do you ever have days like that? If I miss my workout at the office, I almost certainly get 10 minutes of crunches at home. Wish me luck, my physical exam at the doctor is next week.

Bender Ball is About Health, Not Just Good Looks

2009-09-01T01:27:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing summer, as you know. We traveled all over California. I especially loved Los Angeles, where the beaches were beautiful and everyone was young and thin. Well not everyone, but I felt really great, because since I’ve been using my Bender Ball, I don’t feel awkward, old or fat, even in a place like L.A. I don’t think I would’ve dared venture onto the beach in L.A. last summer. But I do want to tell you another thing. It is not just about how you look. I feel healthier and younger, really. Or maybe I should say, I feel exactly how someone my age should feel, and not old, sluggish and fat, which is how I used to feel. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled in a few weeks from now, and I know my cholesterol will be lower. How can it not? I weigh 15 pounds less than I did at my last physical. And I really think a lot of my success has been achieved because Bender Ball has made exercise so easy for me.

Bender Ball is Vacation Friendly

2009-08-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows swimming is a great way to exercise. And my wife and I love to swim, especially in some of the pools at the hotels and motels we've been visiting while we've been driving around California. But doing laps is pretty time consuming, so my wife and I and the kids just cool off in the pool, and get our real exercise from our Bender Ball. What's really nice is that my wife and I can exercise together, wherever we are and it only takes a few minutes of our time each day, so we have more time for seeing the sights. And California has plenty to see. As a matter-of-fact, we're heading out right now to the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. I hear its wonderful. I hope your vacation is as fun as mine, and I hope you didnt leave your Bender Ball at home.

Portable Bender Ball Keeps You in Shape on the Go

2009-08-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

As I explained in my last entry, me and my Bender Ball can go anywhere. We started in Los Angeles at the beginning of summer, and I'm telling you, its a good think I took my Bender Ball with me. My wife and I hit up so many great restaurants, I'd weigh about 1,000 pounds by now if I didnt just spend about 10 minutes every day crunching and sculpting my abs, so I still look really good. And another thing about Los Angeles, its pretty important to look good. We went to the beach one day, and I'm pretty sure there was a guard in the parking lot making sure only thin people were allowed in. Just kidding, but when we got on the beach it was very hard to see anyone either over the age of 35 or more than 10 pounds overweight. I hear Bender Ball is a big seller in L.A., too.

Exercise with Bender Ball on Vacation!

2009-07-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hi, Its been a while but I am back again blogging away about what its like exercising with Bender Ball. Its funny, because at the end of my last blog I mentioned that someone might mistake me for Arnold Shwartnegger, and little did I know that I would be spending part of my summer in Sacramento, California, not too far where the Governor of California lives, and did you know that Shwartznegger is the Governor? Wow. And he is just as tough as he ever was when he was a movie star. He's been cutting the budget in California like crazy. Anyway, I was watching one of his press conferences on T.V. the other day while I was using my Bender Ball, which btw, is so easy to take along wherever you go. I just took out the air, put the Bender Ball in my suitcase, and voila! I had all the exercise equipment I need. Arnold really looks great, and I wouldnt be surprised if he is keeping his abs in shape with a few minutes each day on the Bender Ball!

Looking Good with Bender Ball

2009-06-30T02:04:00.000-07:00

Bender Ball is an amazing invention! What can I say? It’s the summer time, so I have been trying to get off early from work to spend a little extra time with the kids and my wife. We went to the beach a few days ago, and a cute girl came up to me and asked if I was a baseball player? She said I looked like one of her favorite players, but she just wasn’t sure. My wife just stood there smiling. I felt 10 years younger. When my kids came over to see who the lady was that I was talking to, the girl asked if the kids were my younger brothers? Can you believe it? I’ve been thinking about keeping a Bender Ball at the office, too. Maybe by the fall I can pass for Arnold Shwartnegger?

Bender Ball Makes Summer Fun

2009-06-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

My Bender Ball arrived a few weeks ago, and I have really been good with using it. Since I only need to spend 5 or 10 minutes doing my crunchless abs, I almost always want to get to it. I know that staying with it will make me feel good and look the way I want to look. Now that summer is here I really want my abs to look flat and firm, and you know what? Thanks to my Bender Ball, they seem to really be getting into shape. And my wife is really impressed. Luckily she doesn’t know about the bad food I am still eating. Gotta stop with that!

Exercising with My New Bender Ball

2009-06-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy I barely have time to breath. It is so hard not to eat all the junk that we have at the office. Sometimes I leave for work without having breakfast, and I just grab a donut on the way to the bus. As soon as I finish eating it I feel bad, because I have been really doing a lot of exercise lately with my Bender Ball. When I get home from work, even though some days I am really wiped out, if my wife smiles at me and says, “Hey cutie, how about a little exercise, for me?” how can I resist? Luckily there is so little effort involved I can always spend five or ten minutes with my Bender Ball.

Making Progress with My Bender Ball

2009-06-09T02:46:00.000-07:00

So my wife bought me the Bender Ball that I’ve heard so much good stuff about. Nothing could be simpler! Now when I exercise I have fun! I know that all my efforts are going to sculpt my abdominals, with no harm to my back since my bender ball supports it. Without the pain that I used to feel, I am not as discouraged as I used to be. I drink lots of water all day long, about 10 cups each day, and even more when it’s hot outside. My friends started to notice a change in me, too. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Rule Number One: Dont Clog Your Arteries!

2009-06-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

So what finally happened since I received my Bender Ball in the mail? Well first let me tell you that my wife is a nutritionist, and she went ballistic when I started to bring leftovers from lunch at the office home. This is a quote, “When you eat deep fried egg rolls imagine the oil going straight from your mouth to your arteries, veins and heart! Do you see what I see? A drain pipe with clogged-up walls! That’s what you’ve got inside! Clogged up arteries! No fried food in my house, ever!” After that I really learned my lesson.

Finally Got My Bender Ball

2009-05-02T02:42:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who have been following my progress, what can I say? I started to drink water to reduce consumption of calories and help burn more calories. I stopped eating between meals, and I finally got my Bender Ball after weeks of talking about it. As you know I used to force myself to do crunches, and it killed my back. I admit, I didn’t do my crunches regularly, and my back hurt so much and I got so depressed, that I started to actually eat more! My wife almost killed me, but my doctor said she needn’t bother since I was killing myself. Boy was I in a bad state.

Got to do it!

2009-01-04T05:03:00.000-08:00

It is going to happen! At some stage I will get off my bum and get my life moving properly. The time has come, and almost gone! I have to exercise, stop eating like crazy, and dieting!

Leslee Bender shows me how...

2008-12-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

Leslee Bender is the developer of the Bender Ball Method, and since receiving all the stuff I ordered, I am actually starting to learn how to do the exercises such that I know what to do myself.

Leslee helps me through all the steps, and the Bender Ball exercises help me out to get my abdominal core happening without crunches. Great stuff so far, and without the drinks I was previously drinking it seems to be working. Losing weight and inches...

The Bender Ball arrived!

2008-12-15T01:09:00.000-08:00

My exercise routine is about to take off! I have been drinking water like crazy, and that means that I am consuming less calories. (I am taking a bit of strain with this water thing, I would enjoy some flavors now and again, and water the whole day isn't the best, but more about that another time. See my previous post about that.)

I ordered the Bender Ball from Savvier, and it arrived a day or two ago. The good news is that it offers a full program for fitness and weight loss. That's a good thing. It comes with literature and DVDs to teach you all you need to know. I am starting it (already done some exercises) and we will see what happens.

I am drinking calories by the hundred!

2008-12-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

I did it! I found one of the problems with my diet!
I was drinking a juice that I mix with water, thinking all was good with it. But it wasn't! It was full of calories, and I might as well have been eating chocolates or chocolate yoghurts that are fattening!

So that is it! I am either finding a different drink, or going to water... what a pain! But to lose weight it is worth it...

As for my exercise routine, I have ordered the Bender Ball... more about that in my next post.

Attempting to lose weight...

2008-11-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to lose weight for ages. I am dieting and exercising, but it is taking a long time, longer than expected. I don't know what the issue is - so I asked the person who knows everything, my wife!

She told me two things:
1. To look at everything that I am eating and make sure that I am not unknowingly eating things that are full of calories, and,
2. To look at new exercise techniques.

So - that is my plan. I will report back after I do these two things.

Report back

2008-11-20T02:53:00.001-08:00

My crunchless abs are happening. Can't see them, but the pain at the beginning meant that they were working, and now I can feel them. I am closely watching my progress, which is made really easy by Leslee Bender and the Bender Ball Method tapes etc.

Wish me luck!

Crunches are killers

2008-11-13T02:13:00.000-08:00

I have been telling everyone all about the Bender Ball, and since my last post I have had quite a few of my buddies reading my blog and asking to try the Bender Ball. There are three things you must know:

1. I hate crunches. They kill my back, and make my whole exercise routine impossible to bear. I would rather not do crunches and just leave my abs as they are.
2. The Bender Ball (Leslee Bender designed it) supports your back so that you do not have any of the back issues associated with crunches. What's even better is that the crunches you do with the ball are far more effective.
3. The Bender Ball Method is a whole system of exercising that gives you the info to work out properly - so you gain better crunches and also a whole fitness program.

The ball makes it happen

2008-10-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

My exercise routine has entirely changed since I bought the Bender Ball and integrated it into my workouts. My crunches always killed me, and I never ever felt that I was doing anything for my abs, but the Bender Ball has changed all that. A small green ball makes all the difference, and it has really been a worthwhile (tiny!) investment.

Work on those abs!

2008-10-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

Working on stomach muscles is not the easiest thing in the world – especially if you have to do crunches. The idea is to try and find the exercise that works you from the abdominal core, but is crunchless.

Is there a way to move to crunchless abs? Are we destined to the difficulties of crunches – a sore back, difficult exercises that no-one enjoys, or is there a crunchless way?

Crunchless abs are not impossible, and in fact there is even a way to exercise your stomach and abs by getting more leverage – use the Bender Ball. The bender ball is placed in the small of your back and focuses the exercises on where you need it to. No need to bend over backwards when using the bender ball in your quest for crunchless abs.

It would seem that this is the way to go, as Leslee Bender, the innovator and designer of the Bender Ball, is a world-renowned fitness, Pilates and training expert. Bender's ball and method have passed a lot of scientific test, so I think I am going to be investing in the Bender Ball, and I will make sure to update the blogs on my progress.

I am trying...

2008-10-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get my abs happening, and I just wish that I could sculpt them as easily as I am able to develop my biceps, for example. I have tried tons of stomach exercises, and aside from no enjoying them at all, they don't seem to work. It is really slow going. So, I have neglected my stomach exercises, and just hope that by losing weight in general I will be able to lose the excess weight around my tummy.

I recently read about the Bender Ball idea, something developed by a fitness expert, Leslee Bender. It doesn't save you from the basic idea of stomach exercises, but it makes them bearable for someone who hates crunches. The good news about the Bender Ball Core exercise method is that it gives you a better work out than traditional crunches. It is simply a ball, the bender method being a cheap and easy way to get training.

Bender Ball: Achieve Your Goals

2008-09-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone has the same basic goals when it comes to health. The key is to live a healthy life, which makes sense, of course. So, what does that mean? It means correct nutrition combined with a regular exercise program. The correct attitude is all that it takes to make a change of one's lifestyle that will offer greater health benefits and immediately increased quality of life.

Eating correctly is essential, but what makes the big difference between "dieting" and living a healthy lifestyle is an exercise plan. Not only does exercise speed up your metabolism, but it improves you overall health and well being. Choosing the correct exercises is most important, for a number of reasons. Firstly, you want to make sure that the exercise does what it is supposed to do, secondly, you want to make sure that it is not doing anything detrimental, and finally, you want to be able to enjoy the exercise.

The most difficult area to work on is one's stomach, and this is where the Bender Ball comes in. Crunches can hurt you, and are not that enjoyable either, yet the small and flexible Bender Ball changes all that. Not only does it offer your back support while you do those crunches, but it even goes further and works your abs better than regular crunches. The Bender Method, pioneered by Leslee Bender makes your exercise routine safer, more enjoyable, and the most effective it can be. Amazingly, all it takes is your own body and the Bender Ball, easy as that!