Plank and pot belly!

[wildflowersplease]

Wasn't sure whether to put this in exercise or menopause, but heyho.

I started a pretty good plank regime in about Feb/March this year, based on the Michael Mosley Just One Thing episode about doing planks, but I upped the duration quite quickly.

My abs are definitely stronger and I've found that things that used to aggravate my weak lower back, eg going shopping for many hours or gardening, are not bothering it nearly as much. Very pleased about that.

But my lower belly is totally sticking out now! It's a lot firmer, but kind of in the wrong direction! It is really pot-shaped, even though I try to hold it in tight while planking.

I'm 52 and in perimenopause, and I know this can kind of go along with it, but I don't know what to attribute the belly to, or how to fix it. Any advice? I really want to carry on with the planks if I can!

Sounds like abdominal doming. Make sure you’re engaging the core correctly and also strengthening your deep abdominal muscles as well, not just the external abs.

Could you have tight hip flexors/ iliopsoas muscles? Maybe worth paying for a session with a sports physio to assess your posture and gait and recommend exercises to add to your planks.
Or a session with a gym instructor , not one of the ones who exist on creatine supplements and social media adulation for how much they can lift with their top off and their torso slathered in baby oil, one of the core fitness and posture for injury prevention / other sports types.

Thanks, that video was really interesting and I think I have both distasis rectii or whatever it's called, and also tight hip flexors.

I'll try the things you've both suggested.

@powershowerforanhour , I snorted tea at that description - hah! 😂

You need to ‘pull your belly button towards your spine’ before doing any core exercises!

@Gymbunny2025 yeah, I thought I did that. Really try to pull it in, which is why I'm a bit 🤔 about the now perfect firm concave shape of my tummy 🫤

If you do Pilates they will work from the beginning to get your posture and core aligned correctly and build you up that way