c-section jelly belly

helz21
helz21 Posts: 11
in Fitness and Exercise
hi, just wondering if anyone knows what kind of exercise would help with my C-section jelly belly, every time I've lost weight in the past my belly just looks worse, its just loose saggy skin and its horrible, it actually puts me off losing weight, so this time around I'm hoping I can change that with the help and advice from others, all suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks.

Replies

  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    There aren't specific exercises that will remove "saggy skin". The body removes fat from wherever it wants, no matter what part of the body you're working.

    With that said, you can lose fat faster than skin recovers. From what I understand it takes time for the elasticity in the skin to recover and return the area (as best it can) to it's previous state.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    Heavy lifting.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    Lifting heavy,
    surgery,
    deal with it.

    whatever works.
  • ckess617
    ckess617 Posts: 69
    While the "saggy skin" doesn't always go away (sorry; I've had a c-section too, so I feel ya on the frustration), reverse crunches seems to be working for me....tummy is shrinking for sure. Just be sure to breathe! It can be a hard movement, especially if you're not used to it, and when that happens, we tend to hold our breath.

    HTH, and best of luck!!! Keep with it!
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Breast feeding and taking care of babies
  • suzannnicole
    suzannnicole Posts: 10 Member
    Spanx!
  • ckmama
    ckmama Posts: 1,668 Member
    I've had 2 sections and it got worse after the second one. It is like I have 2 stomach's and upper and lower. I would probably have to have surgery to get rid of mine, but i was very obese when I had both of mine.

    I would focus on getting healthy. Eventually as we all age everything will start sagging. I'm just going to try to get used to it.:laugh:
  • ashale60
    ashale60 Posts: 6
    I have had two c sections and still have loose skin im pretty sure surgery is the only way to get rid of it. but crunches and weights will defiantly help what it can.goodluck
  • helz21
    helz21 Posts: 11
    While the "saggy skin" doesn't always go away (sorry; I've had a c-section too, so I feel ya on the frustration), reverse crunches seems to be working for me....tummy is shrinking for sure. Just be sure to breathe! It can be a hard movement, especially if you're not used to it, and when that happens, we tend to hold our breath.

    HTH, and best of luck!!! Keep with it!


    thanks I will give that a good try!
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    Try the Davina McCall "Body Buff" DVD - I've just started doing it (and my saggyness is nearly 14 now!) and it includes some really tough crunches - and reverse ones - and specific targets for core strength (very important for us ladies!) I can't say I'm loving it right off, but it is effective.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Since I'm a guy giving advice here, I'm going to get skewered, but here it goes.

    Ab (core) exercises don't tone/reduce the area. It builds core strength, (and some core muscle) but that's it. That's like saying doing curls removes fat and loose skin from the biceps. It doesn't.
  • sweetNsassy2584
    sweetNsassy2584 Posts: 515 Member
    I had a c-section as well. No ab workout is actually going to help with saggy skin. Slow and steady weight loss and strength training will do wonders. I'm pretty happy with my tummy now :)
  • PBsMommy
    PBsMommy Posts: 1,166 Member
    Heavy lifting.

    +1
    I had my daughter via C-section 03/20/12. Heavy Lifting has done more wonders for my "c-section jelly belly" in just a few months than a year of cardio ever did for it.
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    But if you're stonger underneath the skin it does help. I've done various core-strngthening as I've lost weight and it does have a "lifting" effect which cardio alone won't have.

    But Zumba is pretty amazing too!
  • AnaCoffee
    AnaCoffee Posts: 95 Member
    C-section mom here too. I do sit-ups on the couch while my son holds down my feet. Sounds crazy and not like real exercise to some, but it's always helped. The couch (or bed) makes it easier on my back. I can manage 100-125 in 10-20 increments. It's been a decade since I lost a ton of weight (which I gained back) so I forget exactly how my own jelly belly looked back then. All I remember is that it did help take off inches.

    No way can I afford surgery and with my arthritis and sciatica, I can't do heavy lifting, so it's sit-ups and low-impact aerobics for me right now.
  • helz21
    helz21 Posts: 11
    Since I'm a guy giving advice here, I'm going to get skewered, but here it goes.

    Ab (core) exercises don't tone/reduce the area. It builds core strength, (and some core muscle) but that's it. That's like saying doing curls removes fat and loose skin from the biceps. It doesn't.


    I'm grateful for any advice, thank you
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Since I'm a guy giving advice here, I'm going to get skewered, but here it goes.

    Ab (core) exercises don't tone/reduce the area. It builds core strength, (and some core muscle) but that's it. That's like saying doing curls removes fat and loose skin from the biceps. It doesn't.

    No skewering for you. You speak the truth.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    yup. you can't target reduce.

    just keep with a slow/steady loss. It'll come off if it does. Lowering the overall body fat percentage is gonna be the winner.

    Heavy lifting is awesome and will give you a much better body than someone else that may lose the same amount of weight as you.
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  • vwchic05
    vwchic05 Posts: 3
    I definitely feel ya on that one. I had a c-section too and my belly had never been the same. But since I've lost weight, its definitely gotten smaller. My husband says the only way to get rid of belly fat is to do a lot of cardio, HIIT, so that's what I'm doing now. So far, I can feel the fat melt. I have not done any crunches or situps since that doesn't really melt the fat, it just strenghtens your core. But I do planks, and I'm starting to see a little definition.

    Just keep doing what you're doing, and it will melt away somehow :-)
  • Snikkee
    Snikkee Posts: 295 Member
    pregnancy can ( note can, not always ) cause pelvic instability, making it hard for a woman's abs to show. I have an SI belt, ( from my chiropractor, can also get on Amazon ) to wear. BUT you should go to a chiropractor first and see if you actually have pelvic instability. What also can help is pelvic thrusts... at least one minute a day.

    Try these:

    Candlesticks
    Double crunches
    rotating crunches on a stability ball
    plank twists
    russian twists with a heavy medicine ball
    sit ups with a heavy medicine ball raise, or wall throw
    tuck ups
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    lots of reverse cowgirl

    /thread

    guillaume-approves-o.gif
  • Snikkee
    Snikkee Posts: 295 Member
    I definitely feel ya on that one. I had a c-section too and my belly had never been the same. But since I've lost weight, its definitely gotten smaller. My husband says the only way to get rid of belly fat is to do a lot of cardio, HIIT, so that's what I'm doing now. So far, I can feel the fat melt. I have not done any crunches or situps since that doesn't really melt the fat, it just strenghtens your core. But I do planks, and I'm starting to see a little definition.

    Just keep doing what you're doing, and it will melt away somehow :-)



    I have also had a c-section, cardio will not strengthen and tighten your core. Some sort of AB work needs to be done. HITT and TABATA ( any high intensity interval ) is good for burning fat. Steady state cardio, like walking, or running, or being on an eliptical.. not very effective for fat burning. Lift often and Heavy for a good fat burn
  • Woomytron
    Woomytron Posts: 253 Member
    The saggy skin over time may tighten some. It just takes time for it to catch up. You can just do your best and lose weight and work your core out the best you can. Don't let people say it isn't possible to get a better looking stomach, it all depends on the person. There is women out there tat bounced back from having a c-section. Some people can, some can't but all you can do is try. Good luck!:flowerforyou:

    (I'm always working on getting rid of my c-section belly)
  • RenCara
    RenCara Posts: 300 Member
    I had 3 c-sections but I have been able to work back to a strong stomach area. (You can see it on my profile pictures if you wish.) I have accomplished this with planks (numerous versions), hot yoga and cardio.

    Best of luck to you.
  • helz21
    helz21 Posts: 11
    I definitely feel ya on that one. I had a c-section too and my belly had never been the same. But since I've lost weight, its definitely gotten smaller. My husband says the only way to get rid of belly fat is to do a lot of cardio, HIIT, so that's what I'm doing now. So far, I can feel the fat melt. I have not done any crunches or situps since that doesn't really melt the fat, it just strenghtens your core. But I do planks, and I'm starting to see a little definition.

    Just keep doing what you're doing, and it will melt away somehow :-)



    I have also had a c-section, cardio will not strengthen and tighten your core. Some sort of AB work needs to be done. HITT and TABATA ( any high intensity interval ) is good for burning fat. Steady state cardio, like walking, or running, or being on an eliptical.. not very effective for fat burning. Lift often and Heavy for a good fat burn
    thank you
  • helz21
    helz21 Posts: 11
    I had 3 c-sections but I have been able to work back to a strong stomach area. (You can see it on my profile pictures if you wish.) I have accomplished this with planks (numerous versions), hot yoga and cardio.

    Best of luck to you.

    oh yay it is possible! thank you
  • ckess617
    ckess617 Posts: 69
    I LOVE Tabata! You're absolutely right - the HIIT is key! Alway keep your heart rate up!
  • ren_ascent
    ren_ascent Posts: 432 Member
    I had a c-section with both my babies (now 8 and 5) and I can get the belly fat to dissapate but there's no helping the saggy skin. It all depends on your skins natural elasticity which I've been told can improve with good hydration. I figure I'm stuck with a non-bikini bod no matter how I exercise because surgery isn't something I walk willingly into.
  • booncey
    booncey Posts: 75 Member
    Here's my unprofessional opinion. I have had natural childbirth with the first one and c-section with my last. Of course, everyone is different..but for me-losing roughly 1 pound a week was a slow enough process to allow the skin to not sag. I also do crunches, planks and lift. I lift heavy enough...but not super heavy (yet). I do at least 20-30 minutes of cardio a day plus focus on a different muscle group per day. I try to do Ab/core workouts at least twice a week.

    I lost the weight post c-section and had a super flat stomach about 7 years ago. I quit doing everything (diet and exercise) and gained back the weight over time + more. I couldn't *blame* the C-section for it this time. The only thing the C-section was to blame for the first time was the cut muscle which makes it weak. So, strengthen the muscle..it will help.

    I think it really depends on how much weight you have to lose that will determine if you will have too much excess skin after losing the weight. I have read several places that abs are found in the kitchen...so of course, you have to eat healthy too.

    Regardless, you are not going to go wrong with getting healthy and losing body fat. Even with excess skin, you can still look pretty hot in cute smaller clothes. That is what spanx are for :) Good luck

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