Tummy flab

[SausageFarmer]

Ok, I've recently started working out (10 days) and I'm doing crunches each day (as well as other stuff)

I'm very overweight. So I won't see any progress yet but I can feel a dull ache in my lower stomach whenever I move using that area.

Is this a good thing?

I had a csection with my daughter 4 years ago and since then had NO muscles in my stomach at all. Which my physical is telling me has contributed towards my sciatica.

At the point of being sick of being in pain with one thing or another so finally taking control. Better late than never eh?

So back to my question, it's not a painful ache, so is it a good thing that that area is aching? Does it mean that I've got some progress?

Should also add, I've lost 4lbs in the last 10 days :)

Have you only got 1dc? Has separated stomach muscles ever been mentioned as you aren't supposed to do regular stomach exercises (not crunches) but specific ones. I have a fitness hula hoop which does give results!!

Yeah I've got one child, would love another though.

I've never been told that before

Anyone?

If you have got separated stomach muscles then crunches aren't a great idea. Search for diastasis recti and how to check if you have it - there are videos online - it's a very simple way to tell, involving lying on your back and using your fingers to measure the gap between your transverse abdominals. If you have a large gap you're better off doing different abs exercises for a while. Again I found loads online. Heel slides or drops are a good one, also ones where you squeeze a small ball or foam block between your knees while you engage stomach muscles and pelvic floor etc. I started with a 3 finger gap and closed it to 1 finger, now am able to do regular abs stuff e.g. planks, sit-ups etc. And well done on the weight loss!!!! Abs exercises can't reduce fat in that area but if you strengthen properly while you lose weight you'll have a much stronger core that your continued weight loss will help to reveal.

I've never heard of any of that. Even my physio never said anything like that. I'm gonna research into this!

All because I had a section?

The separation is caused by pregnancy so c-section makes no difference. The muscles separate during pregnancy to make room for the baby but for some women they don't go back together after a few weeks/months. And even if they do go back to a degree, you can also still have weak core and stretched connective tissues (the ones that hold the two sides of muscle together). You can still have diastasis and/or pelvic floor problems even if you haven't given birth vaginally. That's why some women still look pregnant many months after giving birth. It's also to do with the strength of the connective tissue that holds the muscles together. If you're paying for private physio, find a women's health specialist who has heard of diastasis, if you think you have it, or to get them to check for it if you want to know.

My daughter is 4.

So it's not a few months.

I'm going to have a look at it now and see if I can figure out if I have it or not x

Thanks for your help

I think I'm too fat to check...

I've been exercising for two weeks to lost general fat but my worstvarea is my stomach I've cut bread/pasta etc and been doing 30 mins exercise everyday. I've lost 6lb and 11cms on my stomach, I've been doing Hiit workouts and walking. I've been doing crunches but cardio loses the fat.

*loose

A gentle tired ache is a sign that you've been using the muscles and they are recovering which is how they get stronger.

It may be better to assume a diastasis recti if it's hard to check and your core is weak. The exercises will be beneficial anyway.