Sounds like a fun class. I tend to agree with you on the bottom half work! I hate doing lunges and squats and buttclenches, but that is where I need it most.

As for getting stronger. Bad news ... practise makes perfect The more you do it, the better you will get. But then, you knew that I just don't get why planks and side-planks has to be done AFTER working your arms, back and chest!! Why not get that nasty planks out of the way and then start to test the arms.

My instrutcor said that the secret is breathing (WTF) she said that if you breath in and out regulary and deeply, your muscles gets enough oxygen (something like that) and that evertime you breath out you need to tighten ... I was thinking ... HOW THE HECK, I am so bend on consentrating on keeping my abs in, my arms from buckling and hitting my teeth and nose to a bloody pulp on the floor, my back from snapping, my feet from slipping and not to pass wind in the process that BREATHING is LAST on the list. LOL But, hey, she did make some sense.

I'm glad to hear your hip is doing better. I totally get what you mean about the jeans!! I have that exact problem too. I have a tiny, tiny waist, but nice, big hips and thighs that makes wearing a belt a must.