How Do I Tone up My Momma Belly?

HI G.-
I think alot of us have that problem post-partum! I am still attending a post-partum fitness class twice a week since I had my baby 7mos ago, walking every day, and do a cardio DVD program at home. I definitely agree that abs are not enough - you need to strengthen and tone everything again. Plus, our skin stretches SO much during pregnancy, and that will take time to heal. Make sure you are drinking enough water and eating well too. Good luck!

Hi G.-
I'm mother of 2 boys and i know EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN...I beleive what helped me get back in shape was Pilates. I used to do it almost everyday. It uses the belly as "power source" , its an amazing workout. My oldest son is 4 1/2 and i'm still doing pilates 2 times a week-- i wish i had more time to do it!! If you have the time, walking for about 20-30mins a day is great as well. Hope this helps...

I don't know how much free time you have-- but starting a yoga practice would be a great way to get your whole body in shape. I do TriYoga at the center on Washington St in Santa Cruz, and I know there are TriYoga teachers all over the bay area. It's a system of yoga, so even if you're in the "basics" classes you're still getting all the benefits without tying yourself into knots. I've heard that even if you did tons of sit-ups and planks -- anything that focuses on that one area-- it won't make a difference-- you need to tone the whole body and the belly will follow :)
Good luck!

cardio is a great way to help you loose the mommy tummy! Also, pilates, the entire process of pilates engages your core, thus making your work more beneficial. As a PP said, plank is a great core workout, but you need to do more than that. You are correct in saying you cant just do crunches, you have to do a overall program, make sure you get 30 minutes of Cardio work (walking/jogging/running) 3-4x a week, then throw in some pilates (take a class, get a tape, or just check you-tube for some video), and make sure you eat healthy and you should see a change, just remember it takes a lot of work, but you can do it!

I also reccomend trying a fitness program, you could always do Baby Boot Camp (http://www.babybootcamp.com) if one is available around you, they make sure you get a full workout which will make sure to help you loose that tummy! (and you and your baby will have fun at the same time :-))

Good Luck! With a little motivation anything is possible!

I have heard it takes 2 yrs. for the body to recover from pregnancy & childbirth. Go easy on yourself. It's appropriate for a mama to have a nice soft lap for her baby to lay in. Enjoy.
There will be plenty of time to focus on you and your belly-later. Baby needs it now. If you are nursing, your body may need to hold a little extra fat to make enough of the best milk. ox

Hi G.! I help moms get there shapes back in no time ( it's a side job, and although I have a different home based business that is going great!!! I used to be a physical trainer, and while our home is being built we live somewhere with a gym). I know exactly what your talking about--as I worked with so many other moms, ( especially since they were able to get back there pre-baby body, but still had the trouble in the mid area). Let me know if your ever interested in getting together, and I would love to help! The main thing is the core, and you can do a million and one sit-up's- but so many other things to you can do as well. Let me know if you just want responses and ideas over the internet, or we can meet! Sounds like were in the same area!! Love, A. Toft

Look up how to do 'the plank' & ab crunchers are strenthening the core,walk, walk and PLEASE be really careful about lifting until you feel toned.SOmeone once said to me - no lazy man's loads - make the trips - your back is literally the back bone of you entire life.

From someone who learned the hard way . .

R.

i just deal with my squishiness. :D

my friend said pilates also helped.

i am not willing to make the time to get my extra skin to "deflab", and a tummy tuck is not an option, so i will deal with that squishiness. I'm down to my wedding weight (yay!), but my body is just different. oh well.

Hello,

I'd start by getting a yoga ball and a video that takes you through some core strengthening exercises. Look for videos that include a ball workout. I think there's a series called "total core."

Another type of video you can look for is a "yoga based workout for abs" from the Yoga Zone. This one has many exercises that really target the abs and core.

I do a mixed workout of crunches (30 to 50) blended with a mix of other types of ab-targeting exercises. I try to do it 5 to 6 days a week. Sure my waist is bigger after having kids, but I'm strong and can see the muscle definition in my midsection. Not a six-pack, but I can dream...