Want to sort out my stomach!

[Rosebud1302]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice on how to specifically help tone up my stomach? For context, it all went a bit wrong after the birth of my son 3.5 years ago. I have always been on the slim side, and remain at a "good weight" if you look at BMI. I look slim in all areas apart from my stomach which, to me, is so noticeable.

I do a lot of walking for my job and work outside mainly. I have a fairly good diet (could certainly improve!) I don't like the gym so would not like to sign up to anything like that. Ideally looking for exercises I can do at home to try and tone my stomach a bit? I have been a bit lighter than this when I reeeeeerally try but I feel that level isn't very sustainable for me and plus the issue with my stomach being saggy was still there at that weight too (I am only talking 5lb less than I am now).

Any advice very welcome! Thank you :)

I'd google the stomach muscles then look on YouTube for physio exercises. Not some gym bunny with crap technique but a proper physio.

Pilates is all about the core - find a good class or online.

If you want to exercise at home download the Fiton App, it is free and packed full of exercise videos ranging from pilates to Kickboxing there are hundreds. There are 10 minute ones going up to 40 minutes and all vary in how hard they are. I have started doing the pilates and barre based ones and have noticed a difference in my muscle tone quite quickly. I also run (plod slowly) a couple of times a week

You need to get yourself checked for a split rectus (I.e a gap between your stomach muscles). Lots of women have it post birth and it can make your tummy protrude whatever you do. Crunch type exercises are no good as they just make it worse. You need to do proper exercises that address the gap. Once you know if that’s a problem or not then you can tailor the exercises accordingly.

Came here to post a similar thread, so will watch with interest. Also generally slim but (while not terrible) my stomach is a bit squishy and untoned.

I’m hoping to tone up a bit for a holiday in 6 weeks, is that a realistic goal?

Check you don't have separated abdominals

Go to pilates - so you have proper technique

Also called diastasis recti.

There's lots of advice on how to check and do/ don'ts.

Otherwise pilates/ yoga are a good place to start. When you've got a reasonably functioning core, weights are good, but I'd get a good grounding in body weight work first to ensure good technique.