Exercising the midriff

[sowoffended]

I've lost a couple of stone recently, still got more to lose.

I'm swimming and walking which are both excellent exercise I know.

My bum and bust are both looking ok, but my middle is all out of proportion and I could be mistaken for being pregnant. It's worse above the waistline.

What (gentle) exercises would you recommend for this area?

x

same here - apart from the bit about swimming and walking and bum and bust looking OK. Very interested in replies as I also look pg.

lol Saadia, when I say bum n bust are ok - well they're still big, but in proportion (ish) with each other, whereas the middle bit isn't.

Above the waistline - I have been using one of those abdominal roller things at the gym, doing it the "normal" way, as well as with my legs bent and to the side (iyswim), and with my legs straight up in the air. I also run on a regular basis. I can definitely see a difference above the belly button. I just wish I could work out what to do for my belly below the belly button...

I have a tummy excerciser for sale(2nd item down) here
I couldn't use it cos it hurt my back.

I am trying hula hooping. I will let you know in about a month whether it works or whether I have been wasting my time twirling like a loon

My mam was a fab hula hooper, I could never get the knack, but might be worth trying again i guess.

HOW do you use that exercise thing???

Cheers.

regular yoga, running, Pilates.

I can't run (honest) and I really wanted something I could do from home, rather than a class.

Lol, now it sounds like I'm making excuses.

x

sowoffended- You use the exercise thing by going on the floor on your knees and pushing it along the floor in front of you.you then use your tummy muscles to bring it back to you!Its got a spring back thingy in it to help bring it back.
Does any of that make sence!!!?

like this

lol, sounds like a form of torture.

All exercise is a form of torture!

my PT has given me some stomach exercises to do that are not too bad...

Lie on your back and lift legs into air so your knees are together and sort of over your chest... then tap your heel down on alternating legs... as your muscles get stronger lengthen legs before touching down... I did these last night and today all the right muscles hurt - so must be getting to the right ones...

I have a belly and find cutting out wheat realy helps...

Yep, have finally admitted to myself that wheat does make a difference.

Cheers mancmum.

I've also noticed that I've got a bit of a flabby belly ... and look like I'm in the early stages of pregnancy! Not good

I run 3x a week (run/power walk about 3 miles each time) - did race for life & decided to keep the running up. Now bought a stepper for variety and for thigh/bum toning, but need to do something about my tummy! OH says to keep up the running & cardio but I'm impatient and want something to target this area specifically! (No space for any more exercise stuff tho).

pilates!!! gentle but deadly

FaZ, what happend with the hula hooping?

Ooh, bugger all

As usual I had great intentions then got a bit under the weather or down or something and it all went to pot. I have been eating crap as well (tend to when I am a bit stressed).

I think I managed about 2 weeks. I don't know if it was making any visible difference but my stomach muscles were definitely stronger which has got to be good, and I can now hula hoop for 10 mins without stopping which would be a great party trick if you could get people to stay still for 10 mins to watch you