Ab help needed (with progress pics).

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Replies

  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    If I understood your post, you don't just feel 8 weeks pregnant but now you are 8 weeks pregnant? Congratulations regardless.. whether you are or just had a baby - whatever the story is, quit worrying and let your body do its thing. If you can handle P90X go for it but don't beat yourself up if you can only do yoga.

    Good luck with your counselling, I hope it helps you find peace with yourself. Your body is beautiful and you should be happy :smile:

    No, no, no, definitely not pregnant. I was showing that my 8 weeks pregnant wasn't too much different than my abs now, from the side, especially at the end of the night when I've had all my day's food/water, etc. No more kids for me! And thank you. I am trying to be okay with my body but it's hard.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Good news, you can definitely get more visible abs and a flatter stomach if that's one of your goals. I have several women on my FL that have had 2 or more kids that have abs that would make a professional fitness model jealous.

    Bad news, there's no fun and easy way to get there, and no video or specific exercise that I can recommend. To have visible abs you are going to need to have a lower BF% than you currently do, and the way to get there is a calorie deficit along with exercise. And you're probably better served with a bit less cardio and a bit more strength training than you are currently doing.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    You look like you're right on the verge there. In that 3rd pic, your belly looks nice and hard.

    Get into some heavy barbell training... I bet that'll push ya over the edge.
  • lpina2mi
    lpina2mi Posts: 425 Member
    If there is a pilates class available--take it. The skills you learn there about engaging your core you can then apply when lifting, doing yoga, or crunches. Yes, there can be a tendency to push-out when doing a crunch. Instead you should be pulling your navel to spine at that moment in your crunch. Easier said than done--when you have not experienced the feeling or control. That is what a good pilates instructor can teach you. Go there first, then free weights and other great suggestions.
  • shano25
    shano25 Posts: 233 Member
    Look up exercises for diastasis recti on youtube. It's a lot of good core exercises that aren't sit-ups. Because the abdominal muscles spread during the pregnancy, the more children we have the harder it is to go back. Some women have a larger separation after and the fat sits on top. Crunches can't fix that and actually makes things worse, so it's possible if you feel that they were making your stomach poke out more, you have a bit of separation. It's something that can be easily fixed with specific abdominal exercise. The ones that people show on youtube not only correct the separation but are good workouts for the core.

    By the way, I've had 2 kids and your abs are looking great my dear. My youngest is 3 and mine haven't gotten back to that yet! Keep up the good work.
  • BonaFideUK
    BonaFideUK Posts: 313 Member
    You didn't really mention your diet. Abs are made in the kitchen. Get your BF% low enough and you'll have abs in no time.
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    Thank you all for the replies!! I am compiling everything and taking notes. :smile:

    My diet is 85% homemade, lots of fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, baked cod, Chobani yogurt (2 a day, LOL), some grains... very little processed foods.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Thank you all for the replies!! I am compiling everything and taking notes. :smile:

    My diet is 85% homemade, lots of fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, baked cod, Chobani yogurt (2 a day, LOL), some grains... very little processed foods.

    The types of foods don't really matter. Just make sure you're in a calorie deficit. Since you really don't have very much to lose, the deficit should be a small one, maybe 300 cals short of maintenance. Have all the grains and processed food that you can fit into your macros, for all i care.
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    Thank you all for the replies!! I am compiling everything and taking notes. :smile:

    My diet is 85% homemade, lots of fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, baked cod, Chobani yogurt (2 a day, LOL), some grains... very little processed foods.

    The types of foods don't really matter. Just make sure you're in a calorie deficit. Since you really don't have very much to lose, the deficit should be a small one, maybe 300 cals short of maintenance. Have all the grains and processed food that you can fit into your macros, for all i care.

    Most days in the past week, I've been 300 under. Today I was ~500 under. Thank you!!! I can't express how thankful I am for all the advice and support. It's weird because I went from just eating whatever to working out to logging food every day on here starting in January. I feel like there's so much to learn! I know I could stand to eat less carbs and more protein; been snacking on almonds to help.
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    Oh, and I started push-ups today!! :) 10 regular ones and 15 modified. LOL. I figure I'll build up strength so I can go to all normal push-ups (no knees on the ground). I'll probably do 20 more before bed. I can definitely feel it in the abs!

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