Losing the "mummy pouch"

I also wasn't happy with the way my belly/body looked after I had my daughter. I gained 72lbs. I have been successful now by lifting weights(stronglifts5x5) and eating at a small caloric deficit.

Another option is New Rules of Lifting for Women, buy the book and read it. I do it at home with a barbell, dumbbells and a Swiss ball.

I have 3 kids within 4 years and was not happy with my tummy (I admit, I was a little OCD about it)...

I recommend:
-a clean diet (more fruits, proteins, and vegetables and less carbs/grains)
-cardio (I do just 31 mins a day on the elliptical)
-Core strengthening (I do pushups for now)
-Strength training

Someone has also suggested to me "planks" but I still have to figure that out. I'm taking it one step at a time.

I have some progress pictures in my profile if you'd like to see my results so far. I have definitely noticed a change.

Out of sheer curiosity...why 31 minutes? Do you just prefer to do 1 more minute than average and thus making yourself above average and awesome? :flowerforyou: (Seriously, though...I add 6 seconds to my cardio workouts because I failed to score "exceptional" on my PT test at work by 6 seconds. I was wondering if you had an interesting story about your 1 minute)

I'm also a little OCD and have weird little habits (excessive handwashing is one, but sticking to weird little routines like the 31 minutes is another. LOL.).

I have two children.. gained 55lbs with the first and 63lbs with the second.. half always came off as months rolled by. I still have 6-7lbs to lose.. it's been very gradual but my body fat percentage is getting lower because I have incorporated a lot of lifting (almost OCD like)

My tips:
Lifting heavy.. start out with low lb dumbbells if you are new to exercise and work your way up. You'll be surprised to find out how strong you are.
Eating clean.. 90% of abs is in the kitchen.
Personally, I limit cardio to 25 minutes let's say if I am on a treadmill.. I like HIIT a lot - that after lifting is all I really need to do in the gym (or at home)

Free Workout videos that are short and sweet but SUPER effective:
Fitness Blender.com has an assorted variety of different workouts (w/ different lengths)
Stronglifts
NROLFW - This can't be done at home unless you have free weights (see my profile pic for what I mean) and the right machines. Atleast I don't know of any way of doing it at home.. it's worth investing in a gym membership (the Y is pretty cheap) if you can. Stronglifts is wonderful

I found mixing moisturizing lotion and pure almond oil (or cocoa butter oil) works wonders as my belly gets smaller.. stretch marks fade in time. Skin also adjusts in time as well. Just keep lifting, eating clean and moisturizing your skin and you will be on your way

Stronglifts will do a world of good, definitely look into it. I did the 5x5 this past year but lately I've been doing the same routine but 3x5 and 1x5. I also do yoga which I believe helps out. When I started weight lifting was when my belly slimmed out. I've have several kids in a short span.

And Wow SarahBeth! I cannot believe your pictures! I would kill to have your before stomach after my one son, and you've had THREE children in FOUR years?! Golly.

You are too sweet!! Thank you, hun!!

The oldest and the youngest almost have the same birthday (8/25/07 and 8/22/11... the middle one was born 2/27/10, so the younger two are only 18 mos apart.... I was set on becoming more toned when I knew we were done having kids).

Goodness what did your heaviest baby weigh? My son weighed 8lb 12oz, which did quite a number on my stomach. I would never of guessed you had any children by just looking at your photos. Good on you! :smokin:

Thank you so much! You are too kind.

1st: 6 lbs, 6 oz. (39w1d)
~*~ Pregnant and early 5w miscarriage & then pregnant and 12w miscarriage~*~
2nd: 6 lbs, 12 oz. (40w3d)
3rd: 6 lbs, 13 oz (39w)

All three times, though I got up to 169-170 lbs (I am 125 now and was 137 pre-pregnancy)

This was me at 37w6d with #3:
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/sarahrank71506/Baby number 3/3d8b48a7.jpg

1 week postpartum:
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/sarahrank71506/Baby number 3/cc277a11.jpg

24 days postpartum after #3... still had a ton of work to do yet!
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/sarahrank71506/Baby number 3/55992480.jpg

Took me until 4 months postpartum until I started seeing results, although I do credit tandem nursing:
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/sarahrank71506/Baby number 3/fa82dd39.jpg


(Added links, as imgs were not showing up.)

I noticed some people using the stronglifts 5x5 and I checked it out as I'm also trying to lose 30 lbs of baby weight after three kids in four years. It looks like it's meant for body builders - did you find you bulkedup a lot with it? And what type of equipment do you need?

I'm in the same place as you, I hover between 59-62kg and even at 59 I had a rounded tummy from stretched skin. Hate it

PS I'm in Australia too.

Planks

Never heard of skin brushing.... my stretch marks are huge, 3 kids in 4 years as well... even if I did get a flat stomach I'd never get rid of the rippled effect! Anyone heard of celltone and tried it?

Well I didnt take any before photos, but I took some today cause Im giving the 30 day shred a go. I have seen a couple of brave ladies showing them, but not many. If my results are good and my rippled wrinkly tummy looks even a little better I'll be posting!

Definitely take before/after photos, even if you just do it for yourself. You will find that the progress inspires you.