Go figure

Clothes may maketh the man. But it's curves that maketh the women - or so I was told recently when I spoke too much in this column about the benefits of a lean, fit physique.

So, to prove that the twain can meet, I asked bodybuilder and fitness trainer Joan Liew, 32, to show us some exercises that build lean, strong muscles as well as accentuate a woman's curves.

Despite the fact that she works on her lats - gym speak for the upper back - for the V-shape that scores points in bodybuilding contests, she didn't bat an eyelid. She just pointed out that it's a fine line that separates curves and wobbles.

Her point: You can do all the abdominal exercise you want, but if you don't combine it with some cardio (at least 30 minutes three times a week) and a disciplined diet (lay off those banana splits), you will find it almost impossible to have the curves you desire.

Liew, who runs Fitness Factory with fellow bodybuilder and trainer Augustine Lee, also noted that having an athletic frame is an advantage as broader shoulders tend to accentuate a slim waist.

The two have just set up Fitness Factory Boutique Gym, a non-membership outfit in Boat Quay which allows anyone to use the facilities as long as he or she enlists the services of a personal trainer from the gym.

The Gym-In-The-Pocket, a rubber band used in one of the exercises, is available at Fitness Factory (82 Boat Quay, 03-01), Carrefour and NHG Polyclinics. Prices range from $30.90 to $49. Call Fitness Factory on 6535-0851 to contact Joan Liew.


TRUNK TWIST

How to do it: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold one end of the Gym-In-The-Pocket band with both hands at chest level (photo above), making sure the other end is securely attached to a stationary object such as a shut door.

Tighten your abs, exhale and rotate your upper body to the left while keeping an upright posture and avoiding any jerky movements.

Inhale and return to start position.

Perform four sets of 15 repetitions on each side.




CURL SIDE REACH

How to do it: Lie back on a fitball, place your left hand behind your head and extend your right arm to the side.

Tighten your abs and curl up slightly, exhale and try to touch the outside of your right knee with your right hand.

Inhale and return to start position. Perform four sets of 15 repetitions on each side.




LYING TWIST

How to do it: Lie on your back with both arms extended out to the sides. Lift both legs up and, with knees slightly bent, point toes towards the ceiling. Inhale, tighten your abs and slowly lower both legs to the left till they are just above the floor. Exhale and return to start position, moving both legs together, and repeat the movement on the right side. Perform 12 repetitions for each side, alternating between right and left sides.