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Original poster

Is there anything better than situps/stomach crunches to flatten a stomach?

28 replies

HeadFairy · 18/04/2009 22:00

I can't really join a gym so I'm looking to do something about my flabby tummy at home. I've just done a load of situps, but I was wondering if there's an exercise that's better for flattening my tummy for the summer. I don't have the greatest lower back so I can't do anything too strenuous.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:04

The one where you are on all fours and use gravity whilst you pull your tummy in is supposed to be good - the plank they told me it was called

CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:04

exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises_10.htm

ShowOfHands · 18/04/2009 22:06

If you've got excess fat then you need to do cardiovascular work to lose it. The sit-ups/crunches etc will tone you well but excess weight needs to be burnt off through getting your heartrate up.

bruxeur · 18/04/2009 22:10

As SoH says, you can't spot-reduce fat. If you want a flatter tum you need to lose fat all over. Core exercises like crunches and the plank are good for posture, which will make your stomach look flatter.

Original poster
HeadFairy · 18/04/2009 22:14

Thanks for that link cargirl, I think the plank might be out for me due to my bad back.

I appreciate the comments about spot reducing fat SoH and bruxeur... I am watching what I'm eating. But I find it really hard to find time to do cardio work. How does everyone else do it? I used to run a lot before I had ds, but I can't get the time now. On days I'm working, I leave home at 9am and don't get home until 11pm, and on the days I don't work I have ds all day. Do you all do work outs with your dcs in tow?

OP posts:
CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:14

I'm confused my tummy goes flat if I pull it in if I toned the muscles fully surely it would then be flat? Instead of looking pregnant!

Original poster
HeadFairy · 18/04/2009 22:18

Cargirl, I'm the same. I appreciate the need to do cardio but I think some toning might mitigate the disaster that is my tummy.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:20

My is def damage from being very short (5') and incubation a 10lb 6oz elephant that masquaraded as dd2 and then a further 2 large babies..........I don't need to lose weight.

Original poster
HeadFairy · 18/04/2009 22:21

I don't have the height thing to blame being 5'10, ds wasn't even that big... I'm just a slob!

OP posts:
CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:23

I have twin skin so even if I got a flat tummy would need a skin tuck - it's vile tbh

MrsTittleMouse · 18/04/2009 22:23

Pilates?
I've only done it pre-pregnancy, but it was really good. And my physio post-pregnancy has given me a load of Pilates to do (abs were completely shot after DD2 - two big babies, two enormous bumps = no stomach muscles). Except that I haven't done any exercises since I was discharged.

Meglet · 18/04/2009 22:25

What about a yoga or pilates dvd? That would stretch you out and work the deeper muscles.

CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:25

tis the cost - I live next to a posh area with a pilates club/gym I kid you not! It's also boring!

bruxeur · 18/04/2009 22:27

Skeletal muscles don't have any resting tone.

If you want a flatter tum, you need to keep it pulled in - this is tiring for muscles that aren't used to it so crunches etc will help to TRAIN not tone them.

CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:29

Now I am depressed! Really is only pilates that will work because that teaches you to keep them all pulled in all the time don't they?

What's the answer then?

bruxeur · 18/04/2009 22:30

I think some kind of time machine would be nice.

CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:33

perhaps I'll just buy that waist cincher I keep looking at!

bruxeur · 18/04/2009 22:33

Good-ish article here with a bit more detail.

Original poster
HeadFairy · 18/04/2009 22:36

cargirl, I'll be in the queue behind you for the waist cincher!

I don't mind sucking in a bit, so presumably doing a few sit ups will make sucking in a bit easier? I was told by a physio that sucking in your tummy is quite good for your posture as it can support your spine. Dunno if that's true...

I will investigate a Pilates dvd... though we've only got one tv, and I can usually only do these things in the evening so I can't see dh watching me do pilates as an evening's entertainment

OP posts:
CarGirl · 18/04/2009 22:38

tummy tuck it is then

Original poster
HeadFairy · 18/04/2009 22:40

Thanks for the article Bruxeur. I have been told about the whole muscle burns more calories than fat thing, I used to have a personal trainer (pre baby days - sigh) and he always said as you get older it's more important to increase your muscle bulk (or whatever terminology you want to use) to offset the natural metabolic slowing you get as you age.

OP posts:
Sorrento · 18/04/2009 23:20

Surgery is the only answer or a griddle

EachPeachPearMum · 22/04/2009 20:45

A griddle? you hoping to really burn it off?

girdle perhaps?

TheRealMrsJohnSimm · 22/04/2009 23:24

Are you pelvic floor muscles good n' strong? I ask because I recently had to see a gynae physio who told me I would never have a flat stomach until my pelvic floor was toned too. Have been doing my work out regularly for a few months now and it has made a big difference to my tummy.

howtotellmum · 23/04/2009 12:16

headfairy what on earth do you do that takes you out of thehouse for those workinghours?

Sorry if thisis too blunt, but I would suggest a good look at work-life balance,in order to get your health/weight under control!

Can you fit in a brisk 30 mins lunvh time walk?

Can you manage 30 mins-1hr at home for free weights and exercise - ie aerobic in the bedroom?

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