Round Mum Tum

[Sunnydaymum]

Can anyone recommend an exercise regime/class or general approach to flattening out my round tummy? It's a combination of 2 children, slightly indulgent weekends - reward habits (glass or two of wine, Sunday roasts plus pud etc!). I eat a most healthy diet Mon-Sat. I run 15-20k a week and on the non-run days I walk 5k. I am 45 and I have noticed a distinctive "thickening" around my stomach area. I know it's my age/life stage but I don't want to just accept it...I want to do something about it!

mostly not most 😂😂

Same problem with me so interested in any replies. I've started doing weights and cardio since Jan and have also cut out crisps, choc and biscuits but no improvement in the mum tum area as yet. Will keep going and trying as I have put on weight since 1st lockdown and have gone up dress size. Maybe will see some improvement in a few months.

I know your frustration...I have days when I feel like I make real progress in other areas and I then I realise I can still balance my book on the bulge when I'm reading in bed and think "still some work to do!!"

Hey, it’s the wine that gives the bloated, round tummy. See what results you get from knocking that on the head for a bit. X

Highly recommend the "Every Mother" app. I've been doing the exercises every day and the the difference to my tummy muscles is amazing. I used to get so bloated in the evenings but now everything holds in better. You have to pay but to me it's 100% worth it.

If you don't want to pay, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is good. It's 12 years old now but I just started doing it again and it does make a difference. It's available for free on Vimeo

Of course, you also have to watch your diet. I'm 54 and I do intermittent fasting, 16:8 and try to stick to a reasonably low carb diet though am not super strict about it. If I'm going to have pasta for dinner, for example I wouldn't have a sandwich for lunch and would go for a salad or omelette or a soup instead. I've also started to do a 500 fast a couple of days a week (but not sure how long that bit will last 🙈😂)

trying you look fabulous! 🏋️‍♀️💪🧘‍♂️

What works is finding out if it is bloat/ digestive issues.

I had such a huge mum tum despite being fairly slim that I got checked out for ovarian cancer ( negative)and had a hernia operation which did not solve the problem.

I did endless tummy and ab exercises and nothing worked.

What worked?

Going on a strict fast ( able to have coffee, hot marmite, milk and sugar less tea such as matcha tea).

Keep that up for 2 days and 3 nights and it has a remarkable effect.Took pre and probiotics.

Somehow gives digestion a rest and reset. If you Google it you can find out all the health benefits from fasting.

I had my mum tum for 20 years and tried everything before trying this and my goodness I wish I had tried it earlier!

Got a flat stomach back and now I do shorter maintenance fasts to keep it like that once a month or so.

When you do go back to eating normally again make sure you have good protein, fats and vegetables.

Good luck!

Also Sunny remember you can't spot reduce fat sadly. You have to lower your body fat overall. Weight and resistance training is the best exercise you can do for this. I have home weights but really miss the gym being open for weights work ☹️

Thank you all for your comments.

@Tryingtogetitright-you do look fabulous.

@Newstaronhorizon-I am going to try the strict fasting, I have never tried anything like that before and I think it will do me good.

I've never tried the 16:8 or any type of fasting but o know that I need to do something moving forward. I've decided to build in core strength exercises into my current exercise regime and I can hopefully get back into the gym in due course. I used to go and run/cycle and swim but I think I need to check in with an instructor and try weights etc.

I really appreciate all your feedback...off to Google "Every Mother" App....

@Tryingtogetitright

Highly recommend the "Every Mother" app. I've been doing the exercises every day and the the difference to my tummy muscles is amazing. I used to get so bloated in the evenings but now everything holds in better. You have to pay but to me it's 100% worth it.

Wow amazing results! Thanks for the info

Thanks everyone! The app explains better than me that if you have a weak core after childbirth some exercises you would expect to do to flatten your stomach (eg sit-ups, crunches, some yoga positions) actually make a mummy tummy a lot worse by putting extra strain on the muscles. I have been dieting a bit too but the app has really strengthened my core - I don't get back pain as frequently and feel "tighter" round the waist. Good luck finding something that works for you OP.