Abs after baby - how long to get a flat tummy?

[Sam_2.0]

DD is almost 6 months old. I started working out a bit ago, but just got serious about it in the last couple of weeks. I have lost all the baby weight and then some, but for some reason the more I work out & the more weight I lose, the flabbier my tummy looks

Currently DH and I are doing the 30DS (3-4 sessions per week), plus I am running 8-9 miles per week with a friend.

I am 5'3'', 120, and still look like I did when I was 4-5 months preggo Well, just in my tummy. My legs & arms are toning up nicely. But its seriously starting to bother me that the harder I work, the more my stomach seems to stick out

[Sam_2.0]

Ahh, thanks to Dr. Google I found out about diastasis recti. I need to talk to my Dr about it, but it looks & sounds like that's what's going on. Hopefully changing up exercises will help!

[beags]

The thing that worked the best for me was the P90X exercise program. Almost every dvd within that system works your abs in one way or another. They have one dvd that is done 2 or 3 times a week and that one is called AB Ripper X. I HATED that dvd when I first started it. But then I noticed that my small 17 year baby pouch was disappearing.

I like you, tried everything until that point and had no or little results.

[RoadToRiches]

You can't spot reduce fat. Abs start in the kitchen. You can do million crunches and it still won't work.

Make sure your diet is in check. It will take a while before you will see your abs.

[femmefatale]

I have done crunches and worked out after the last baby...I am a small woman and gained almost 80 lbs...that done some stretching of the abdomen for such a small frame Nothing has gotten my tummy back in shape...nothing. Maybe I haven't tried hard enough but I just don't see it happening.

[Deleted]

Are you breastfeeding? If you are it might take a little more time for everything to get tight again.

I had separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy. You have to be careful with abdominal exercises because traditional crunches and stuff will actually cause your tummy to bulge out more. I saw a PT to teach me some exercises. Also holding together both sides of your belly while doing exercises helps.

[femmefatale]

No, she is 6 years old...No breast feeding at this point...lol ;D

[Deleted]

Jan 25, 2012 22:50:37 GMT -5 @femmefatale said:

I have done crunches and worked out after the last baby...I am a small woman and gained almost 80 lbs...that done some stretching of the abdomen for such a small frame Nothing has gotten my tummy back in shape...nothing. Maybe I haven't tried hard enough but I just don't see it happening.

80 pounds is going to take a while...

[femmefatale]

I've already lost the weight Archie...I am 5'6, 120...thanks. Just need a little firming up.

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2012 9:52:55 GMT -5 @femmefatale said:

I've already lost the weight Archie...I am 5'6, 120...thanks. Just need a little firming up.

Good job on the weight. but as you said, 80 pounds on a little frame is going to do a lot of stretching and pulling of everything..

[femmefatale]

You got that right. Everything else seemed to bounce back into shape...It's just the ab area.

[Deleted]

Maybe it's not fat but loose skin? I found this out on the web, can't tell you if it works or not:
www.best-abs-exercises.com/loose-stomach-skin.html

Cobra Yoga Abdominal Exercise Pose: Difficulty 2; lower back, 3.
Lie on your stomach, chin on the floor. Place your legs hip width apart. Place your palms on the floor beneath your shoulders. Now completely extend your arms, lifting your head, chest and upper torso off the floor; your weight will be supported by your legs and hands. Gently arch your back as far as you comfortably can, looking up at the ceiling. Hold for 10 breaths. If you feel too much strain in your back or your abs, you can decrease the arch in your back by keeping your elbows bent, walking your hands forward, or coming down on your forearms. Besides strengthening your core muscles, this pose also aligns the spine, opens the chest for better posture, plus invigorates the kidneys and nervous system.


Upward Facing Dog Yoga Abdominal Exercise Pose: Difficulty 3, lower back 3. This is just like Cobra Yoga Abdominal Pose, except you’re going to lift higher so your weight is only supported by your hands and the tops of your feet. Lie on your stomach, chin on the floor, feet hip width apart. Point your toes so the tops of your feet are on the floor. Place your palms on the floor beneath your shoulders. Now completely extend your arms and look up, stretching your back as far as you comfortably can into a gentle arch; lift your weight off your thighs so you are only holding yourself up with the tops of your feet and your hands. Hold for 10 breaths. If this is too intense for your back or abs, lower your weight onto your thighs as if doing Cobra pose. You can also bend your elbows, walk your hands forward or come down on your forearms.

[femmefatale]

Thanks for the link, beer.

[Deleted]

You're welcome, ff!

[femmefatale]

Looks like some rough stuff but maybe I can handle it. I've tried everything...

[Artemis Windsong]

Beer: I read your post about the cobra pose being so effective. I knew I was missing something I used to do - yoga in the morning. I started using the cobra pose about 2 days ago and I can already feel a difference. Thanks for the info and the link.