B.C. asks from Lansing, MI on January 23, 2009
Desperate to Get Body in Shape After Having Triplets
I had triplets 9 months ago and have negative amount of personal time. My stomach/tummy area sticks out and I am SO self-concious, not to mention frustrated with the impossibility of finding clothes that fit/are comfortable/are semi-flattering.
Are there any exercises that I can do while sitting at my desk at work that will help get my stomach muscles tighter and get me skinnier?
My doctor told me not to worry about dieting for the first year because I have enough to worry about... I appreciate his support but he doesn't have to live with this ugly body! :)
So What Happened?™
Thank you for all the awesome responses! I am SO encouraged and inspired. I'm sitting on my Yoga ball at my desk as we speak :).
Featured Answers
L.K. answers from Detroit on January 25, 2009
B.,
We've all had those UHG body times after birth. The best advice I received was to buy spanx and walk as often as you can. Spanx helped me mentally and were really comfortable and the walking helped physically.
Good luck
L.
K.H. answers from Grand Rapids on January 24, 2009
My friend, who was always a skinny minny, had twins awhile ago and although she lost all the weight, still had a big stomach. She ended up having to have a tummy tuck at age 25, but now she looks great! It was just excess skin and muscle that was too stretched out to go back to normal. Maybe that's what it is.
More Answers
M.P. answers from Detroit on January 24, 2009
Exercise is always great for toning but it sounds like you don't have a lot of time.
Is it important to you to have support in a weight loss program? With triplets it sounds like you want something simple and convenient. Is that true?
If this is, I have an exceptional program that will help loose pounds but more importantly help with muscle mass. The muscle mass builds speeds the metabolism, naturally, reduces cravings, and increases energy.
To view this program, go to www.cinchplan.com/mamabear. Feel free to call me at ###-###-####. I have great easy tips to get you to your goal weight and stay there.
M.
D.M. answers from Detroit on January 26, 2009
HI B.---Congrats on the babies. I tend to agree with the moms who urge patience. BUT, there are several things you can do in the meantime.
Regular exercise actually increases your energy levels. It won't seem so at first, again, patience. Schedule your exercise like any other appointment and STICK to it. I'd like to get the balance ball office chair for core work AND a trainer I know also says to just suck in that gut, belly button to the spine, as much as you can. Your keigel exercises will also do a little core work.
As for diet, think in terms of eating for health, not to lose weight. If you concentrate on eating AT LEAST 7 to 13 servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day, along with whole grains and legumes, you will lose weight automatically. IF you are nursing, you will pretty much be eating constantly. Concentrate on getting over 40 grams of fiber a day. That way you will have to concentrate on the 4 food groups that I mentioned. Then use animal protein as either a condiment or as flavoring in soups or stews. You'll reduce saturated fat and nutritionally poor calories that way.
I am studying to be a wellness educator and I have lots of files and articles that I can share with you. Even if it's just to chat and I become a cheerleader, I would be glad to help. Would you be interested in attending health education events in the Lansing area? A group that I work with sponsors them regularly. Just let me know when we talk. I look forward to it. In health, D.
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M.G. answers from Jackson on January 24, 2009
Hi B.! Congratulations on your triplets!!!
You mentioned that calorie counting worked for you...would a pre-counted plan customized to you and for you be a possible fit for you?
Is you having simple guarenteed nutrition a priority for you?
I look forward to hearing what you think.
warmly, M.
J.S. answers from Detroit on January 24, 2009
I don't have any advice for you on this, but I jsut wanted to say that you're not alone. I jsut had twins 3 months ago, and I HATE my body. My stomach is completly destroyed and my Dr said the same thing to me, not to diet/excersie, especially b/c I'm nursing them and need the extra cals. I hate not being able to find anything that looks even slightly good on me. Hubby says not to worry about it, I'm married I don't need to impress anyone. Whatever, it's nice that he doesn't care, but I still hate it.
*sigh*
Sorry for my ramble, I just wanted to let you know your not alone in this. I think I'll use some of the advice that you were given for myself :)
GL!
J.H. answers from Saginaw on January 24, 2009
I like the site sparkpeople. I used to use it for tracking my foods but they have all kinds of exercises with short videos to show you how to do them and there should be some on there that you can do at work while sitting at your desk.
K.A. answers from Detroit on January 23, 2009
There are these little bike type things on qvc (I'm sure other places as well). You put it under your desk and while your sitting, you pedal away. Aerobic excercise is supposed to be one of the best ways to lose belly fat (so I've read).
D.E. answers from Detroit on January 26, 2009
You have received a lot of good suggestions, but I wanted to remind you that your body is amazing. You have done something that few others have done. You have created and grown three wonderful babies at once! Hold your head high and remember what you have accomplished when you look in the mirror or try to squeeze into unforgiving jeans.
S.S. answers from Detroit on January 23, 2009
I am feeling the same way but I didn't have triplets. I do have two kids at separate times but that is enough to do some damage to the figure. A fit friend of mine who has had 3 kids recommended I do this excercise called the PLANK. Check out the link below. You only need to do it for one minute take a brake and do it again for one minute. That is TWO minutes and I am telling you it will kick your butt! You will feel it the next day. Try it. It isn't exactly something you can do at work but you can do it while the kids are one the floor playing. They will love having you at their level.
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=plank+exercise&...#
You may also try good posture. It causes you to use your muscles to sit straight. It also lengthens the muscles. That is easy to do at work or the car.
God Bless you and your little ones!
good luck!
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