umamibrain

I've got some of those gadgets around too but sometimes they're just not enough. Part of the problem is my drafty, high-ceilinged house, which takes forever to warm up in the evening. It's awkward to cook dinner wearing a wool hat and scarf.

Hmm... so the good news is, it's not just me. The bad news is, it's only going to get worse? Let's hope I will also get less sweaty when it's hot out then, because I could live without that!

I had to search for this topic. I see a lot of people saying they think it's the fat loss that is causing them to feel the cold, but for me I think it's just something related to my metabolism because I haven't lost much yet but I'm FREEZING, so much I can hardly think. I'm not sick and I've been getting plenty of…

I played that at a friend's house and you're right, it's a blast. I'm a minimal-to-no-fitness-equipment person, but I wish my friend lived closer so I could play that more often with her.

This sounds like a great way to build on the leg raises. I'm adding it to the rotation. Thank you.

OK, you guys have convinced me: I need more than one ab move. I'm adding bicycle crunches, planks, and leg raises to my routine for a start. Now to figure out how many reps to do of each.

Thanks, laddyboy. I'm not so much looking to rip my abs as just trying to add muscle and burn fat more generally. I understand the abs aren't critical for that, which is why I'm focusing less on them, but I appreciate the advice.

Planks, like in yoga class? I can do those. Should I hold it as long as possible and work my way up, or do several of them alternating with something else, or...?

Like this, you mean? http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/qt/Bicycle_Crunch.htm That seems doable. I'm not ruling out adding more exercises, as well as some weight for the squats (my thighs are strong for someone who hasn't been formally working out), but I'm just trying to start small with something I…