What's the best stomach exercise?

[ConfusedDotCom2016]

I have what I call a double stomach and even though I'm losing weight the top stomach roll is not getting any smaller meaning I'm now a 20 in trousers but a 26 in tops. I have a wedding in august and would love to wear a dress but want to get rid of the rolls.

Does anyone have any advice?

[Jaimx86]

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[KittyandTeal]

I'm pretty sure you can't spot check weight loss. As in you can't do loads of crunches and loose weight on your stomach specifically.

I think you need to do some cardio, walking, running, Zumba, swimming (but full out so you're really out of breath, not a gentle potter up and down the pool) whatever you think you might enjoy. You could also try a 7min work out of stomach toning, that will help your core strength as well.

They say that weight loss is 80:20, 80 being diet. I'm guessing you are watching what you eat too?

Good luck.

[ConfusedDotCom2016]

Thanks for replying Kitty. I have lost 3 stone so far through diet alone. I need to start doing some exercise but have no idea where to start. A friend has just given me 30 day shred so was thinking of trying that

[claraschu]

Wow OP, that's fantastic! Congratulations on your 3 stone-

If you haven't been exercising at all, I would start with a small amount of hard exercise, and a pleasant gentle walk or swim, or whatever you enjoy. I find if I overdo it to start with I get discouraged.

[buddy79]

Agree it's best to do whatever you find you enjoy. Any exercise is good exercise. But wanted to say I think Pilates in particular is brilliant for just gently toning your stomach and core, although it's not cardio so won't sort of burn anything off, just tone up the underlying muscle. But I've found the classes I've been to generally very welcoming to people new to exercise and it's also really good for your posture which helps with generally feeling and looking better ime! It's the only thing I've really managed to stick to.

[nbee84]

This isn't an exercise tip (the ones above are good) but invest in some spanx or M&S control briefs. Maybe something like this The style will depend on what you're wearing on top but you can get slips, knickers, shorts etc. They help to smooth things out and give you that bit of confidence that you look good in your outfit.

[KittyandTeal]

Wow, 3 stone! That's amazing! Well done.

My thing atm is running, I started last year with the couch to 5k program, I now run 10k once a week and am trying for longer. I would highly recommend the c25k program.

I think the trick will be try lots of different things and see what you enjoy most. I've tried running, Zumba which I still do, hiit, pump classes, step, swimming and general gym. Atm I love running and being outside.

There are lots of classes on YouTube, I do kettlebells at home in my non run days

[GeorgeTheThird]

I agree - Couch to 5k will give you a new lease of life and help you lose loads.

And the beauty of it is that it builds up so gently that genuinely anyone can do it.

[GeorgeTheThird]

I think at the moment stomach-specific exercises won't help, you have too much excess weight over the muscles for the tone of the muscles to make as much visual difference as losing the weight will, iyswim. But the answer to your question is, of course, sit ups/ crunches.

[Thefitfatty]

Make sure you check for diastasis recti before you do any stomach exercises.

Kettlebell workouts are great for core strength, but as others have said, you can't spot burn fat, so don't worry too much about focusing on your stomach, and just make sure you get exercise. :)

[MrsMook]

I think a mixture of cardio and strength- stops it getting boring too!

Have you had children? I'm wondering if you may have an abdominal separation which doesn't help to make the most of your core underneath. Check by pulling up into a crunch potition and feeling for a gap down the centre of the abdominal wall. If you don't then traditional ab exercises are fine. If you do, then the pressure pushes them apart- pilates type exercises are better to encourage it together.

It wouldn't make an obvious visual difference at this stage, but it will make you get stronger and assist other exercises, and will show as your weight loss continues.

Well done for what you have achieved so far.