Toning Your Tummy: Four Ways to Tackle Belly Fat After Pregnancy
My
kingdom for a tighter tummy! Many a new mom has uttered those words (okay,
something like those words) as she glances down at her postbaby belly. Even if
you've reached your prepregnancy weight,
chances are your still dealing with a little extra belly fat after pregnancy.
Don't ignore it: Without concentrated effort (like some tummy exercises after
pregnancy) those ab muscles are bound to stay saggy (and get worse with baby
number two).
Now's the time to get those muscles
taut and toned by integrating a targeted tummy routine into your exercise plan.
Not only will strengthening your abs help your profile, it'll improve
circulation and reduce your risk of back problems (including postpartum back pain), varicose veins, leg
cramps, ankle and foot swelling, and more.
Tip
1: Keep It Simple
There
are lots of tummy exercises after pregnancy that will help you flatten the
flab. Basic crunches may be the most, well, basic, but they work. If you
haven't done them before (or in the past nine months or so), start slowly and
don't push yourself too hard. Begin with pelvic tilts and simple ab contractions:
Lie down on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor. Slowly tighten
your abs and tilt your pelvis toward your head. Tighten the pelvic floor as you
do this (what a great time for some Kegel exercises!).
Tip
2: The Real Deal
Ready
for real crunches? With your back on the floor, put your feet on the floor,
knees bent, and place your hands behind your neck to support your head. Press
your lower back into the floor, then lift your head and shoulders off the
ground. Repeat 10–15 times. As you get stronger, add difficulty (lift your feet
off the floor during reps, for example) and variations (like tilting your legs
to the side and reaching for the opposite knee as you come up to tone the
oblique muscles on the sides of your torso). Working different muscles is
essential for losing that belly fat after pregnancy.
Tip
3: Recruit an Exercise Buddy
If
you like, you can get your baby into the act, too! Blast your baby fat after
pregnancy with a baby bench press: Lie down with legs bent and feet flat on the
floor, holding your baby so he's resting on your belly. Inhale and lift your
baby skyward, pulling in and contracting your abs at the same time; then exhale
and lower your baby. Do as many reps as you can. (Get more tips for exercising with baby).
Tip
4: Stay on the Ball
An
exercise ball is another great tool for tummy exercises after pregnancy. Ball
crunches work like regular crunches, but you'll be adding the element of
balance, which makes your moves a bit more challenging. If crunches just aren't
your thing or you want more of an overall workout, try yoga or Pilates, both of
which place an emphasis on a strong core. Oh, and don't forget — a sensible
diet (like the Postpartum Diet) and regular cardio
exercise will help you burn belly fat after pregnancy (and overall fat, too).
Comments
Post a Comment