Ok...not sure if this is a stupid query or not?

[greeneyedgirl]

I managed to lose 2 stone in the last year and have gone from a size 18 top/16 bottom to a size 14 top/size 12 bottom. I was thrilled with all my hard work, even though my belly was (is) still wobbly, with rather fetching stretchmark wrinkles.

I thought I was happy and really felt I was slim enough, but now after being 9 1/2 stone (am 5 ft 5) since before Christmas I am no longer happy. It is my tummy that I can't stand, I do 100 situps a night and I can feel that my ab muscles are pretty hard, but how does one get rid of the jelly belly (yes I do have the muffin top problem, even with looser jeans )and tone up that loose skin? I am tempted to start dieting again, but am worried my skin will get even saggier if I go down another 1/2 stone.

I can't go to the gym as I don't have the money and I also have a dodgy back. I would really appreciate all tips as I really don't know how to deal with the problem.

[NotQuiteCockney]

Skin does take a while to tighten up, and it doesn't ever (ime) go totally tight.

That being said, I'd recommend pilates as a good workout, assuming your back issues are normalish? Situps aren't great for a flat tummy, particularly if your stomach muscles bulge while you're doing them.

Pilates DVDs are reasonably cheap, I like the Lynn Robinson ones, physios recommend her.