How do I get rid of mummy tummy? Post Reply

[MamanMummy]

Over the past five years I've had three babies (currently pregnant of the fourth) and have gone back to my pre-pregnancy weight and shape each time - no way I would have accepted not to be back into my nice pre-pregnancy clothes! I am not very sporty and with three children have no time for going to the gym anyway but for me what has worked wonders is :
1/ sit-up every evening, in my bedroom with my husband (about 50 to 100, but easy one) - having each other is very motivating; and the results are visible very quickly (2 weeks if you are disciplined). The only thing you need to be careful with is that your pelvic floor is strong enough before you start the sit-ups - I did physio for it (Physio4All in Clapham).
2/ the Dukan diet - hugely popular in France, protein-based but quantities are unlimited so great for busy mums I found as you're never hungry. It does really work on the areas you want to get rid off, surprisingly (well, on boobs as well unfortunately). The book is now translated in English and quite easily available.
Good luck!

[NoMoreExcuses]

Hi there, just a word on crunches & situps if I may... Sit-ups are not really recommended for any mother - they will make a diastasis recti (split abdominal muscles) worse as well as exert intra-abdominal pressure on the core muscles & pelvic floor - that means pushing everything out & down - not the effect we're after!!

Instead you need exercises that will restore & lift your pelvic organs & muscles back into the right place. Hope that's helpful!

[chattymum]

Thank you everyone for all your advice and tips. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the responses and words of encouragement and hugely grateful.

I've been doing the Tracey Anderson workout DVD for about 2 months now and it is finally making some difference to my flab. Its combination of pilates and other abs matt workouts so its really good.

Think I need to step up the cardio I'm doing; just finding the time but I guess now the weather is nice I can enjoy long walks with the pram daily.
I think it is a lot harder than everyone makes out to lose the baby weight and the mummy tummy (spesh after c-section) and it would be good if there was more support/ advice given to women about this. Its taking a hell of a lot of discipline and will power but I think i'll get there in the end! wish it hadn't taken nearly a year tho!
Thanks again.
xx

[anootka]

Ladies,
I am too struggling to loose those annoying pounds that just wont come off. I've tried many classes but I found that most don't target the Post Natal areas or don't have the expertise.
For expert advise and training I go to

ProPhysio in Earlsfield (just behind Barclays Bank)
http://prophysiotherapy.co.uk/
020 8879 1555

They do Post Natal Classes on Tue & Thurs at 2.30 and you can bring your baby (which is great - though until they start crawling).
They also offer Pilates on Tues & Wed nights as well as Sat mornning at 9.
I started off doing just the post natal class once a week with Gemma but am now doing Pilates as many times a week as I possibly can b/c Michelle the pilates instructor is unbeliavable - and the work out you get in those targeted areas is fantastic. The cost of classes is very reasonable, and I've been going since my baby was 10 weeks - I've now lost over a stone and feel great, though still have a way to go.

[moops]

Hi ladies

Just a question, I had my Daughter a week ago and so far my tummy is still flabby, loose and a little wrinkly! I don't remember how long that took to go away with my Son, well I'm hoping it improves!!

[Annabel (admin)]

Moops - BIG CONGRATULATIONS - delighted for you
What are you going to call her?

Annabel x
ps mine still isnt gone but I dont think that its the norm!

[moops]

Thanks A! I was induced early on Good Friday, her name is Valentina and she weighed 7lbs 6oz a lot smaller than my 9lbs 1oz Son!

I'm a bit worried about my tummy as I got a bit of loose skin around my belly button with my Son and I'm scared what's going to happen to it now! I don't think exercise can do anything for that

[NoMoreExcuses]

What a gorgeous name! I love that... Congratulations

[moops]

Thank you! Everyone has been told though, no one is allowed to shorten her name to Val or Tina!

[Claire42]

This is an inspiring thread, I've lost quite a bit of weight but the whole getting really into an exercise regime eludes me, much to research and get excited about here - thanks

[Mummyoftwins]

Hi

I know this post was started a while ago, but I felt I had to add to it as I have just finished a 10 week course of Pilates thanks to a suggestion I read on this thread!

I have 20 month old twins and hadn't done any exercise whatsoever since getting pregnant. With a holiday coming up I thought it was high time I did something about it so conatcted Susan Lewis (as suggested by ckwmum) and I cannot recommend her enough! She came to my house once a week for an hour, is absolutely lovely and made the session so enjoyable even though it was tough! You really can see the difference in my shape - my tummy is flatter (although obviously will never be totally flat, but I wasn't after that), my posture is much better and so many people have commented that I have lost weight. I have to admit that I also do a bit of cardio work (some skipping in the garden or jumping jacks), but for the first time ever, I'm starting to see some definition in my abs which has never happened before and I used to go the gym alot before I was pregnant, so it's definitely the pilates.

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks to this thread, thanks to ckwmum and give Susan a call! (her email is susan@bammuk.com or mobile 07956982646)

[Raspberry-Sorbet]

It's true - Pilates is like magic! Especially the exercises done on the reformers (for me anyway!)

[ckwmum]

Mummy of twins, that's brilliant! So pleased to hear Susan came up trumps for you too. If anyone else is considering pilates, do give her a call!

[supergirl]

Oh i d give anything o start pilates again... But apart from a we morning session no way i could make a class during the week... I have lot all the kilos from my two pregnancies but could really do with some toning (well a lot i should say )

[il2039]

Hi there, I too had an emergency c-section 5 months ago and worked with Susan Lewis as recommended by posters here. I had ten sessions with her and she has made such a huge difference to me and really shrunk my tummy. I have a little ways to go now and she was brilliant, very motivating and encouraging. Definitely get in touch with her susan@bammuk.com.