Tips for a flat tummy after baby
Since having a baby 15 months ago I have done lots of weight and cardiovascular exercise. My abdominals are quite firm now, but my lower abdomen is still quite round and I can’t get it back to its former state. What am I doing wrong?
Imagine your vertebrae as a string of pearls, as you crunch up, lift one vertebrae (i.e. one pearl) off the floor at a time.
Work out with a ‘fitball’. Because the ball is unstable, this will challenge your deeper abdominal and back muscles as you need to stop the ball from rolling away.
Before starting work with the ball don’t forget to warm-up. Do five to ten minutes of cardiovascular work to get the blood flowing round the body and don’t forget to stretch out at the end of the session too.
Try Pilates. This focuses on breathing, posture and alignment. Pilates is favoured by dancers (who walk around as if they have a book on their head) and after just a few classes you’ll feel taller.
Correct posture is extremely important to ward of injuries – especially as a mum with a toddler. Review the way you lift and carry your child – remember to pull your tummy in firmly to support your back and as you bend to lift, bend at the knees rather than lifting from the hips.
It may be difficult to find the time, but Yoga is another challenging workout and, apart from the physical benefits, it helps mental well-being too – just what mums with small kids need.
Why not chat to other iVillagers about a flatter tummy on the Getting Back Into Shape After Baby message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:
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