Necessary Evil

As I have gotten older, I have realized that I can't be healthy without moving. It's just not going to happen, especially since I passed that 40 benchmark. Gravity has started to take hold, and there's no stopping that. However, I can minimize it's effects by upping my exercise efforts.
When I was younger I used nautilus machines in the gym, and later free weights at home. I am just two months removed from major abdominal surgery and I am ready to recover. Basically I am starting from scratch and working on the assumption I have no abdominal strength (which I don't) so I will be baby stepping my way back to health.
Where I was a year ago and where I am today are two totally different people. Which can be good. I'm starting from scratch. Again.
My new best friend is my exercise ball.
I was introduced to it when I blew out my knee in 1997. As time went on, it moved from physical therapy to physical fitness.
I use the ball for my abs. Lying on the floor just doesn't happen for me, so it's the only way I can do crunches.
Using the ball for push ups also makes it easier for me to do them, due to the lack of abdominal strength.
I also do bridges on the ball, which helps build lower back strength (and firm my butt!)
Side kicks are another challenge that I'm up for-and they are super hard. Believe it or not it also is great for flexibility!
Integrating weights with the exercise ball is another way to increase the difficulty of the exercise.
If you are new to the ball, there are lots of videos on you tube that offer a good introduction. My personal favorite is from Spark People:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it8Bn0MVJ4M&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Exercise is a necessary evil, but there's no reason you can't have fun with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkfU1gaj2Ws&feature=youtube_gdata_player