The base of my thumb hurts like crazy. Mom says it’s due to constant texting. If so, can I do something about it?

-Archi

Sure you can. Throw a rubber band around your little finger and thumb and stretch 10 times daily. This strengthener prevents aches. When it’s sore, rest it from texting. And place an ice cube on it to reduce soreness. Call or meet your friends face-to-face more often. The personal touch is cool.

I love tennis and bowling. Which is better for physical fitness and endurance?

-Daljit

Tennis scores on all fronts! Tennis is good for body shaping, agility, balance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance.

Play vigorously. Run for every ball. Bowling is a pleasant, social recreation with some skill and camaraderie thrown in. But it scores low on physical fitness.

It’s great to have a flat stomach... But, is it purely cosmetic or does it have any health value? Also, could you recommend 1 or 2 abdominal exercises I can do anywhere; even on a holiday?

-Romilla

There are definite health benefits in having strong, toned abdominal muscles. Abdominal muscles support muscles coming around back to front, preventing the spine from curving and causing back pain. Strong abdominal muscles enhance digestion and keep constipation at bay. I recommend two excellent exercises:

Air-cycling: Lie on back, arms stretched overhead against floor, legs straight out. Cycle with both legs together, drawing the knees as high as possible towards your chest, then straighten your legs until parallel to floor. Start with 10, then 20, onto 30 reps.

Crunches: Lie on back, legs bent in inverted ‘V’s, knees facing ceiling, feet flat on floor, hands interlocked behind head and neck. Raise shoulders off the floor as high as you can, ensuring that chin does not touch chest. Then, return to floor. Repeat 20 times. Move to 100 gradually.

The writer is co-author of the book Fitness for Life and teacher of the Fitness for Life programme.

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