Tips on losing the baby belly

Natell1983
Natell1983 Posts: 13 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi everyone

I have a relatively small frame but then pulling the baby belly back in is proving difficult.

I have that 'shelf' look from the side. I've been working my lower and upper abs, constantly sucking everything in at work and round the house but wondering if anyone has any tips to pull that loose skin back in that comes with giving birth! There is definitely fat there that I'm trying to get off but I'm concerned I'll be left with empty loose skin when I do! :'(

Quick solutions are always a winner lol, although I know that probably isn't possible! ;)

N x

Replies

  • vtachycardia
    vtachycardia Posts: 374
    Although I have not had a baby, I had a 62 inch beer belly that is now 44 inches of beer belly and still no excess skin.

    My observations, sucking everything in is not engaging your core. And the important part is engaging the core.

    The abs are one muscle and not upper and lower, there is the TVA and the obliques to consider.

    If your ab routine is something like - crunches, leg raise, bicycle then you are missing opportunity to work that area thoroughly.

    Consider,

    more ways of gaining trunk rotation - like wood choppers
    more ways of stretching - like belly down and crunch upwards whilst also raising legs - a skydiver
    add weight to exercises - put a shopping bag with weight like tins in, pop round ankle then do leg raises
    slow everything down and do quality repetitions rather than a rushed 100 crunches or whatever.

    Do consider Swiss Ball, do consider cables - a great trunk exercise but really hits the whole body is this,

    attach a cable working at hip height, hold hands out in front to you and arms fully extended, grab handle so that cable is ninety degrees to your left or right side, side step to feel a pull, engage core and reverse lunge, do 15 reps and change sides.
  • blonde71
    blonde71 Posts: 955 Member
    I've had two kids so I'm familiar with the baby belly. You have to continue to eat at a deficit while exercising. Eventually when overall body fat is lowered, the belly will shrink. My "shelf" went away when I was close to 20% body fat. Hope that helps.
  • Natell1983
    Natell1983 Posts: 13 Member
    Ah thanks for that! :D Well I know I'm at 36% body fat at the moment but as I've been doing alot of weights I've been getting the gym to weigh me, measure my body fat etc but not telling me what it is.

    I know from past experience, when the scales don't reflect the effort I get really discouraged so trying to go on the mirror and clothese rather than the scales!

    Once I feel good about the way I'll look I'll find out the percentage :D But I'm not aiming for 20% so thanks! :D

    Oh and I have been doing those exercises you mentioned alot :) I've also been doing plank work every day too :)

    Thanks guys
    Nat xxx

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