Excercises That That Will Help Flatten Stomach

I've been watching the Crunchless Abs. video lately. I haven't been doing it long enough to see results yet, but I can feel it working my abs.all of them. I can feel them later that day, too. It's 10 mns. a day 6 days a week. Not to hard either, and it has room for advancement.

Pilates for Wieght loss from Susan Deacon. You can find on Amazion pretty cheap. I also highly recomend a fat conversion bar. There is only one on the market and It Works. My husband lost 30lbs with it and I lost 15lbs. We still use every time we work out it helps to stop the lactic acid from building up.

I used to run 20-30 miles a week before I had my son 10 1/2 months ago, but when I found out I was pregnant, I stopped running and just walked. About 3 months after I had my son, I started doing Body Pump at the gym (Golds). It is a 1 hr weight class that works your entire body - including your core and abs! I had never done anything like that before. I did the class and only walked maybe 1-3 times a week (for 30-45 min) for 6 months. I am less than my pre-pregnancy weight! and I am firm and toned... my abs are flatter than before (and my butt is tighter and rounder!)

I could not believe how fast my weight came off and how flat my stomach is. The class builds muscle (more toning than bulk because it's low weight, high reps) and muscle is living tissue which burns calories.

If you increase your muscle mass (all over your body, not just your abs) you will burn more fat where ever it may be. Then if you strengthen your abs, they will stay in and not hang out.

If you went to Gold's gym and asked them for a free trial week you can take the Body Pump class to see what it is they do. If you don't want to join, just take notes and work those body parts at home. (get a small set of weights or use your babies!)

I would find or do something like that class for 6 months and walk at least 3xweek. But also, you have to eat fairly well - most women only need around 1500 calories/day. Lots of veggies... I bet you see a big improvement.

I like my body better now than when I was running 20-30 miles a week!

Good Luck!

There is lots of good advice out there, but I am in a situation where money is tight, so I can't really afford to go to a gym or buy special diet foods or even pay for a sitter during the day. So, what I did is googled "playground workout" and I walk (or run on a good day) with my two kids (both under 3) to the playground. I workout while they play and we even make games out of it. They "chase" me between sets and I am getting into much better shape!!! Foods are still a struggle because it is hard to find time to prepare healthy meals and prepared healthy food is expensive, but I am definitely buying lots more fruits and veggies (the ones that require little prep time) because I can just wash and eat them. Speaking specifically about abs, this is a GREAT QUICK workout that gets me sore like no other ab workout! It was in men's health, but I still do it! http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&... (if the link doesn't work, go to menshealth.com and search plank mountain climber - that's how I found it) Good luck!

As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I can tell you that there is no such thing as spot reducing. Sorry---it's not what us gals want to hear.

See the posts from 2/24/09 (under requests and responses) about weight loss. You will get a lot of answers. Here is my response on that day:

To lose weight, a person needs to work out aerobically in your training heart rate zone and strengthen muscles all over the body.

Our bodies hold onto weight when we consume too MANY or too FEW calories. We often forget about the too few part. Yes, if we consume too few, our bodies go into starvation mode and try to hold on to the fat stores for survival.

As a fitness instructor myself, I have a few pounds from winter I need to take off as well. I walk/ jog 2 days a week (30 min. of brisk walking/ jogging). I cycle once a week, and lift weight once a week. Your cardio workout needs to bring your heartrate into your training zone in order to burn fat. This means hard enough that breathing is tough on your walk or your bike ride. There is a formula for this that you can google; look for "training heart rate formula"

I am trying to add more yoga or Pilates into my week. Not only is changing up your exercise routine healthier for the whole body...but it keeps the work-out fresh and new! Both yoga & Pilates strenghten your core- the muscles on all 4 sides of your torso. Working on only the front side can create problems long-term.

Also, as I get stronger in the legs, back and arms, the muscles are more toned and I look better....but the weight often sticks around. I try to go by how my clothes are feeling or how strong I feel rather than focus on the scale. You NEED to be well hydrated and that water shows up on the scale. I only step on a scale twice a month...as someone mentioned....weight fluctuates a lot from day to day.

Find a class or a group of people with a similar goal. Make "appointments" to exercise and put it on the calendar!

Chris-
I am a personal trainer in Tomball. Cardio and proper nutrition are going to be top ways to improve your body. 70% of your results come from nutrition--and I don't mean diet. It boils down to eating sensibly, consistently and colorfully. Have a balance of carbs, protein and yes fat. Feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction. We actually have a free nutrition mini-seminar tonight at 7 at Salem Lutheran Church if you live around here. You can also check out our blog and website for tips, exercises, recipes...

Have a blessed day-
C.
____@____.com
www.uniquephysiqueonline.com
http://uniquephysiqueonline.blogspot.com

The best thing I have found is to eliminate/reduce bad carbs and white flour goodies. I still have to maintain a normal work out. Works every time for me!!! My problem is keeping off of them!!! Good luck.

Hey C.,
you have already had some responses, but I can't help but offer my advice. I have a 9 yr old, I gained 50 pounds with her and was not in good shape before or after. I also have a nearly 20month old, who I gained about 40 pounds, but I was a personal trainer before I got pregnant and I still am.
After my son was born 2 summers ago, my 10year high school reunion was scheduled for a short 4 months later! I had to get into shape. With that motivation, along with walking the walk of the talk I gave to my clients as a personal trainer I was very motivated to lose the weight. And that is your number 1 thing, you must find what motivates. Write down your goals, give reasons WHY you have those goals. And create weekly goals along the way, for the times when that big goal becomes overwhelming. Also write down what sets you back (eating your kids left overs, snacking when you're not hungry or stressed out, snacks that are unhealthy, dessert after dinner, etc.) Next to those set backs, write down alternatives that you can do in place of the set backs. Instead of an unhealthy snack, I will eat some fruit. Instead of snacking when I'm not hungry, I will take a walk, Instead of eating the kids left overs I WILL throw them away, or save them for later.

2. losing weight is all about calories in vs. calories out. Join an online website like www.sparkpeople.com (sparkpeople.com/vickiluu is my little site) or thedailyplate.com or calorieking.com (you have to pay for this one, but they have a very large database.) Anyway, the purpose of these sites is to count your calories. In order to lose 1 lbs/week you have to have a 500 calories deficit each day. In order to lose 2 lb/s week, you need a 1000 calories/day deficit.

3. Take in nutritious food. Having a candy bar may add 350 calories to your daily calories, but all it does is enter your body and since most of it is fat, the body stores it as...fat! The few nutrients the bar MAY contain, your body will use, but there's not nearly enough to give your body what it needs. So make a conscious effort to eat foods that are nutritious and has protein, healthy carbs, like fiber (rather than sugar), and low in fat.

4. Exercise will help in that ###-###-#### calories/day deficit, but the cardio work will help your heart muscles to circulate your blood and give you more energy all around. The weight training will help your bone density, in our fight against osteoporosis, and give you tone and definition when you do lose the weight.

5. Find a friend or someone who will encourage you and keep you accountable when you don't feel like following your goals. Always go back to your goals, too, to help remind you WHY you are on the journey you are on.

I hope this helps.

V. Luu
____@____.com
www.sparkpeople.com/vickiluu

B.S. Kinsiology, Texas A&M University
NCSA-PT
NASM-PT
AFAA-Group Exercise
AFAA-Kickboxing
AEA-Water Aerobics

Barry's Body Bootcamp!!!!!!!! After I had my baby people kept asking me when I was due! I hated my new post pregnant body. Well one night I was up late and I saw the system on TV. I am not the kind of person to order things from television, but I was willing to try anything! I got it in like 4 days and my life and body have changed so much so fast. It's 21 mins a day and you work for 1 min at a time. YOU WILL SEE RESULTS! I had been doing it for 3 weeks when I visited some family. They saw me right before I started the work outs and the whole time everyone kept saying how great I looked and asking what I was doing! It was great!
I always thought that I was one of those people that needed a trainer pushing me to work but the way the videos work you really don't need all that! It also comes with online tools to help you eat better. Imagine my shock when I saw that it could customize a shopping list for me!
Since I've been doing the bootcamp I look better and have more energy! I think their website is www.barrysbootcamp.com. Try it! You won't be sorry!

I agree with Chrissy. A combination of sensible eating and exercise will help you work on your tummy. In order to get a flat stomach, you first have to lose the fat layer over it. Bottom line is caloric expenditure must be greater than caloric intake. It doesn't matter what form the calories take (carb, fat, protein - you need all three for proper body maintenance) although you will get more bang for your buck with whole grains (I second the getting rid of processed, refined foods), fruits, and vegetables. Once the overlying fat layer is gone, the fruits of your exercise labor should be seen. That said, while aerobic activity is great, include some core activity, too. You do not have to buy a DVD, go to a class, or anything like that. There are plenty of pilates type moves that you can do at home - plank position, side plank position, push ups, superman stretches - all core work with no equipment required.

Good luck! My daughter is 8 months old and I just now am fitting into my pre-pregnancy jeans and feeling really good about my body.

You may want to try out Pilates. There are several videos on the market. I personally like the Winsor system. Pilates would be a great addition to your cardio, because is strengthens your core, and definitely helps to flatten your tummy.

Yoga or Pilates. Both focus on tightening/strengthening core muscles. A good diet alone will not do the job if your mommy abs are weak and stretched out.

Go to my website and check out CINCH, the inch loss plan where you lose weight and inches and KEEP the muscle. You will find a short video, photos and weight loss stories. There is currently a contest going on, too!

www.shaklee.net/buddyandbettyking

Buddy lost 40 pounds
B. lost 20 pounds

Pilates. There are several inexpensive DVDs on the market so you can do floor exercises at home. I do it 3 times a week after the boys go to bed for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. Definitely saw a difference within the first month.

low fat meals and consistant exercise (weight training and cardio). Also, don't forget to watch your portion size. A serving of triscuits is 6 crackers...just be mindful of the little things.

Sorry, i don't know of anything quicker or more effecient. Good luck!

Hi C.,

I understand your concerns. I am a mother and independent personal trainer in the Austin area. It sounds like you have a good cardio routine but need some resistance training to help shed the inches. I could help put a routine together for you if you like. My first session is always complimentary so if you'd like to meet sometime please don't hesitate to contact me. My number is ###-###-#### and ____@____.com. Thanks!

Hi C.,

If I tell you that you can lose a pound a day eating a certified organic chocolate wafer, would you be interested? It is a product that I market called Tru Chocolate and people have been losing a pound a day! I have personally lost 4 pounds in four days. It is a certified organic chocolate wafer that taste great and has a host of health benefits! Go to www.truchocolate.com and read about it and the testimonials. This product really works and who doesn't love chocolate? You eat a wafer 3 times a day 10 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner and drink 8 ounces of water right after you eat it. with this product and the exercising that you are already doing, you will shed the "baby" weight :) If you would like to try it, let me know.

D.
http://D..soulpurpose.net
http://denisewilliams1.youngevityonline.com

I'd try adding something totally different to your routine like joining a soccer league, a flag football league, NIA yoga, cardio kick boxing, tennis... These things will work out different muscles.

Hang in there. It will come off eventually. It takes me about two years to take off the baby weight.

C.,

Try getting some pilates DVDs. Pilates is an excellent way to strengthen your core!

S.