Hi,
Due to various things over the years like pregnancy and IBS (bloating etc), I've lost the muscle tone in my stomach. I used to have naturally flat stomach - in fact it was like a washboard - so now I feel slightly ashamed that I've lost this. I'd like to get my stomach muscles stronger so that it becomes flatter again, so i was wondering whether there were any gentle exercises I could do ? I can't do any exercises that will strain my back so I'm looking for a few gentle exercises that I can do for 10/15 minutes or so every day.
I'd be really grateful for any ideas.
Thanks.
Well i have started going jogging these last few weeks and I would highly recommend this form of exercise for all muscles! The first time I went I found myself aching the next day practically all over my body (including my stomach) which proves how many muscles it actually uses!!
I now go 2-3 times a week for about 20-30 mins a time (around the streets in my neighbourhood).
Have you thought about doing something like Pilates? I don't do it myself but it's supposed to be great for the core muscles. Remember when you work your stomach muscles you should work your back muscles too to balance things up.
I've been doing lots of core exercises using a fitball, which I've found to be really supportive and helps me do the exercises in a more controlled way. I have a personal trainer to help me exercise and show me how to do things properly. Have you thought about having maybe just one session with a trainer to get some help and ideas that you can then follow on your own?
Good luck
Ali
HG
I've probably got a worse stomach than you - it's never been flat and is now a veritable little pot! I started a Pilates class a couple of months ago and have been really pleased to feel my stomach muscles twinging for a few days after each class (ie it's getting to them). If you can find a class and let the teacher know about your back problems then she will probably keep an eye on you and advise you which exercises to sit out. I have done yoga for years but I really really love Pilates - the movements seems so subtle yet they're obviously very effective.
xxx
Thanks for all these suggestions.
Strangely enough I spoke to a lovely lady last year who was a pilates teacher. The problem was that the specialist I was seeing at the time thought that pilates would have been "too much" for my neck (as I get problems with my neck but it is better now than before) - so I didn’t take it up. I may speak to her again though. The only problem I have is that I rarely have any spare time as when I’m not in work – I’m running around all the time – so fitting it in would be hard. But she’s a very accommodating lady – so maybe it’ll be OK.
Well i have started going jogging these last few weeks and I would highly recommend this form of exercise for all muscles!
I think I may have to start with a brisk walk here Jackie 😉 – although I’ll certainly give it a try. Can you recommend any good trainers for jogging – as the ones I have now are general ones that I use on short walks etc. The good thing about jogging/walking for shortish periods of time is that you can fit it in whenever you can. I may even jog down the M4 to see you – lol :D.
Can you recommend any good trainers for jogging – as the ones I have now are general ones that I use on short walks etc.
No sorry I cannot. I have general ones too atm as I am new to jogging myself but I do plan a visit to the sport shop to get new ones soon. Wanted to be sure that I do like jogging first and it's not just another one of my whims 🙂
The good thing about jogging/walking for shortish periods of time is that you can fit it in whenever you can. I may even jog down the M4 to see you – lol :D.
Lol I'll meet you half way Happygirl, I need to get some training in for the London Marathon next year! (Well that is something I would love to do one day - maybe I'll start with the Cardiff half marathon first either this October or next - see how I go 🙂
Doing stomach exercises won't remove any fat sitting on the abs. To burn the fat, you need to do cardio work. Run, cycle, star jump. Anything that burns excess fat. Otherwise you will have the perfect 6 pack under a layer of fat.
Doing stomach exercises won't remove any fat sitting on the abs. To burn the fat, you need to do cardio work. Run, cycle, star jump. Anything that burns excess fat. Otherwise you will have the perfect 6 pack under a layer of fat.
I dunno about HG, but I would be happy with a bit of muscle tone, never mind removing the fat.:o
xxx
Doing stomach exercises won't remove any fat sitting on the abs. To burn the fat, you need to do cardio work. Run, cycle, star jump. Anything that burns excess fat. Otherwise you will have the perfect 6 pack under a layer of fat.
lol... i KNEW it!!! i knew it was there all the time!!!! hurrah! :p
try to get your running shoes from a specialist running shop, not a sports shop with a spotty student selling a product he/she doesnt understand,
regards
Gaz
Lol I'll meet you half way Happygirl, I need to get some training in for the London Marathon next year! (Well that is something I would love to do one day - maybe I'll start with the Cardiff half marathon first either this October or next - see how I go 🙂
I'll meet you at the Sarn services in Bridgend then - no wait a minute that's too close to where i used to teach and the little blighters may see me :eek:. Good for you running in the marathons. Sounds like Cardiff may be a better idea initially.
Thanks to all the suggestions. I'm still trying to get me head around Darren's suggestion about having a sixpack under the fat - but i can just about understand it now.
Biggaz - not sure if there are specific running shops near me - haven't heard of any but will make enquiries with work colleagues that run regularly.
hi happy girl.....
the best way to tone up your tummy muscles is to do some form of aerobic activity,a good class or a power walk is good,spin classes are a fun way to shape up and burn fat at the same time,remember when power walking to use your arms maybe use light dumbells or wrist weights as including weights in your workout increase muscle tone and musle burns fat while your even sleeping.......good luck xxxx
Thanks for all your suggestions.
I've now found a local shop (after speaking to work colleagues) which specialises in running shoes and have trained staff to advise you. I didn't even know it existed before now !
Newbeginnings - I also have some wrist weights that you can velcro round your wrist - which may help.
There was also a flyer posted through my door about aerobics classes taking place in the local primary school which is a 10 minte walk away from me - which I may go to - although it says it's for all levels - i hope it's not going to be all ultra fit women in tight leotards with spray on tans :(.
Jackie - if you do do the Cardiff marathon - let me know and I may be able to come up and support you.
How about some water aerobics as this is a gentle yet good form of excercise you can do crunches in the water - that is if you like swimmming
Hi Happygirl,
I'm the same with my flabby belly after 2 kids. To get rid of it, I've been doing 20 sit ups a day and some yoga and I've really noticed a difference, and I have lost a stone in the bargain. Not that's it's disappeared altogether, but I'm living in hope :).
Did you find some running shoes, or enrol in that aerobics class?
xxx
Have just brought MBTs to walk in and can also jog in them. Can really feel them working my stomach muscles as I move.
Jackie - if you do do the Cardiff marathon - let me know and I may be able to come up and support you.
Hey that'll be good HG, thanks 🙂 Although I suspect I'm being a bit optimistic with my goals here lol. But at least I'm getting fit trying eh 🙂
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