Mummy Tummy Tips

[blueeyedmedee]

I am just over 10 months PP now, and have lost the 30 lbs of non-baby weight I had gained, but I have that persistent pregnancy pooch and stretch marks. I hope this doesn't come across as superficial, I've just always had insecurity issues and just really want to feel good about my body again...
That being said, does anyone know any exercises that will tighten up the lower belly specifically? Also, does anyone know anything that will help stretch marks fade faster? I have really fair skin so they seem to really stand out.

 

[Kristalebear1]

Cardio!! Its a life saver, I'm only 2 1/2 weeks pp and already noticed a good difference with cardio. My mom recommended it. Dancing helps lots to! I spend an hour a day dancing to music or playing dance central on my Xbox 360. I am also joining a Zumba class soon.

As for stretch marks, johnsins makes a baby oil gel that has aloe and vitamin E works wonders on softening and reducing the appearance of stretch marks my friend recommended it to me and I love it. I also use Shea moisture baby head to toe ointment on then and that has helped tins (started using it when they were red and angry in my last tri haha)

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

Core and body weight exercises like push ups/planks/etc will help strengthen that area, but won't make the tummy disappear. You can't spot reduce (unfortunately), so you have to lose weight until you see the result that you're looking for if it's extra fat still padding the area. If it's loose skin only surgery will completely get rid of it. (There's a female body builder on MFP that still has a flap of skin on her stomach even though she's in amazing physical shape)

I got back to a mostly flat stomach by calorie counting and exercising (cardio+strength training). My stomach was the last to go since my body likes to store fat there, so it didn't happen until the last 10 lbs. Here's the difference that 20 lbs make!

Spoiler

https://digital-kitten.net/designs/bnb/blackcat/progress4_1.png

Otherwise time and continuing to exercise really paid off in tightening everything back up!

 

[87BeautyQueen]

Not sure where you're from, but I highly recommend stand up paddling boarding! It gives a great core work out and is a lot of fun That's one of my only forms of exercising and it works miracles

 

[AnonymousCAT]

I second what kitteh kat said!