No Risk Abs

An illustrated guide to the anatomy of the abdominal muscles and how to tone them successfully without injury • Presents the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for great abs • Reveals how common ab exercises, such as crunches, can damage the spine, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and internal organs • Offers tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat Presenting a new type of abdominal exercise program designed with the body’s anatomical relationships in mind, Blandine Calais-Germain reveals the 6 underlying principles for working the abs efficiently, 7 exercises to get you ready, and the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for a flat belly. Pointing out that ab exercises are not without risk, she reviews the most common abdominal exercises, such as crunches and leg lifts, and explains how to avoid injury to the neck, lower back, pelvic floor, diaphragm, prostate, and internal organs as well as how to protect these vital structures with appropriate abdominal work. Exploring this often misunderstood region of the body in her trademark anatomical style, Calais-Germain details the muscular structures that make up the abs, revealing that strength alone is not the sole factor in a flat stomach. Including tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat--this book reveals how to get great abs, lose weight, gain strength, and build your core all without hurting yourself.

An illustrated, anatomical guide to improve the benefits of your Pilates workout while also preventing injury • Examines the correct movements, specific risks, and common mistakes associated with 8 fundamental Pilates exercises, including practices using Pilates exercise equipment • Offers guidelines to increase the effectiveness of your Pilates workout, maintain correct alignment, improve stability, and prevent injury to the pelvis, back, wrists, and ankles Developed in the early 20th century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body, builds long, lean muscles, and develops core abdominal strength. However, practiced improperly, Pilates exercises can lead to injuries such as pinched discs, hyperextension of the wrists, or low-back pain. No-Risk Pilates reveals how to minimize the risk of injury and maximize physical benefit for a strong, toned, and aligned physique. Using Blandine Calais-Germain’s signature anatomical style, this illustrated guide examines the body’s movements during 8 fundamental Pilates exercises, including practices using the Pilates Reformer, and explores the specific risks and common mistakes associated with each exercise. Detailing how injuries occur to the pelvis, back, wrists, and ankles during Pilates, the authors offer tips and guidelines to maintain correct alignment, improve stability, and prevent injury as well as increase the effectiveness of your Pilates workout.

Intended for anyone who wants rock-hard abs but needs help getting motivated, the editors of fitness authority Muscle & Fitness magazine have created a four-week plan that incorporates invaluable take-away strategies to get a firmer midsection. More than 50 exercises and full-color photos guide readers through the best ways to obtain a tight six-pack. Throughout the exercises informative tips and fast facts are included to ensure that each routine is executed in the safest and most effective manner possible.

For more than 30 years, the highly regarded Secrets Series® has provided students and practitioners in all areas of health care with concise, focused, and engaging resources for quick reference and exam review. Rheumatology Secrets, 4th Edition, features the Secrets’ popular question-and-answer format that also includes lists, tables, pearls, memory aids, and an easy-to-read style – making inquiry, reference, and review quick, easy, and enjoyable. The proven Secrets Series® format gives you the most return for your time – succinct, easy to read, engaging, and highly effective. Fully revised and updated throughout, including protocols and guidelines that are continuously evolving and that increasingly dictate best practices. Practical coverage of basic immunology and pathophysiology, important disease manifestations, and clinical management issues related to common and uncommon rheumatic disorders. Top 100 Secrets and Key Points boxes provide a fast overview of the secrets you must know for success in practice and on exams. Features bulleted lists, mnemonics, practical tips from leaders in the field – all providing a concise overview of important board-relevant content. Keeps you up to date with new techniques and technologies, as well as changing treatment options and drug information. Portable size makes it easy to carry with you for quick reference or review anywhere, anytime.

Based on the RCOG Training Module in Fetal Medicine, this book provides a knowledge base for practitioners in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine.