Stomach exercises to end all stomach exercises

[assumetheposition]

OK, last week someone asked if I was pregnant and, seeing some photographs from DS2's 1st birthday party I can see why .

I am the same weight I was when I got pregnant (which is still 2 stone overweight) but whereas before it was all on my thighs and arse now I do genuinely look 6 months pregnant. I can clench pencils under my overhang

Obviously I need to lose weight but what stomach exercises can I do to tone it up?

and how often/many do I need to do

[fidelma]

I am a pilates teacher.One of the best things that you can do is pull in your tummy all he time that you are awake !!!(or at least some of the time)when standing pull in your tmmy 20% and stretch your spine upwards.This will strengthen your tummy muscles.

Also try lossing some weight (easier said than done)

My best advice is walk at least 3 times a week for 30mins.Eat 3 meals a day,pull your tummy in and of course do some pilates or legs bums and tums type class.

All the best.

[assumetheposition]

Thanks fidelma.

I walk DS1 to preschool and back everyday do I do walk (although probably not briskly enough and not all in one go).

I think that is probably why the fat has moved from my legs to my stomach

You are right about holding my stomach in though. I actually think it's been made worse from poor posture carrying DS2 as I do tend to arch my back a lot

Have signed up for Race for Life so hopefully that will motivate me to being bit more active.

[Highlander]

I took some pilates lessons (to help my back) and I now try to 'hold' my tummy all the time (the fancy name is isometric contractions).

i also do 50-75 sit-ups every day.

To lose weight (1 pound/week) you need to lose 500 calories/day. You can achieve this through a combination of reduced eating and exercise. Walk briskly for 30 mins (continuously) every day, and drop those morning and afternoon cakes !. eating nuts can curb your appetite.

[LaDiDaDi]

Bumping for some more ideas.

I'm now back to pre-preg weight and would be thought of as v. slim based on BMI but looking in the mirror I can see that my weight has sort of redistributed itself so that my legs and arms are skinnier but I have a horrid saggy flabby tummy.

My resolution is to do 50 crunches/day but would like some more ideas. How long should I aim for when doing the plank?