7 Moves to Combat Mommy Bulge for Good!
Post-baby “Mommy Bulge” or often mistaken “beer belly” is not only embarrassing but hard on the back as well. After having a baby, many women complain of back pain and for a good reason. I know I sure did! We spent hours hunched over, feeding and changing and picking the baby up. Often, we blame normal motherhood duties for our aches and pains. While that may be so, the fact of the matter is, motherhood is messy and not perfect and we forget to pay attention to our daily movements.
So here are 7 abdominal exercises to do to get you back on track to feeling more energised, stronger and more confident.
These are the exercises I did to get my strength back
Worm up with a Pilates Squat
Squats are the best way to get the body going quickly. After having a baby, the pelvic region needs to obtain its structure again. I call this a Pilates squat because it has to be a well-focused, completely controlled squat. Only going a low as you can without losing your form. In true tradition, the Pilates squat is to go all the way to the floor and back up again. Unfortunately, so many of us can not do this but, this is how our body was meant to move.
The Roll-UP
Oh, how I love the roll-up! Beware, after the little one arrives this exercise seems to be easy until you realise you cant get up. Don’t worry, it will come with ease in a few short days.
Why I love the roll-up, when done correctly, expect to feel it in the entire abdominal wall. Not to mention its an amazing stretch.
Helpful hint: Make sure to pull your abs in and up throughout the exercise.
Leg Circles
Here is an exercise that creates power from the core. A great exercise for just after baby! The goal is to control the leg from the stomach. Check it out.
Alternating Toe Taps
Another core exercise and this one focuses on the movement of the legs while controlling the back. As the legs move, the back will want to pop and it’s your job to make sure the abs control that from happening. You may not think you can feel the abs, but I assure you they will be working especially if you are laser-focused on the spine staying neutral.
Criss Cross
This one is key, because any movement where twisting comes into play, the abs start to reshape into the hourglass look. Not to mention, its important for the external obliques to regain control so the back can get relief. My helpful hint here is to kiss the rib to the hip nit the elbow to the knee.
Swan
This one will stretch the stomach and upper back. Two places we feel pressure after having a baby and the day to day duties they bring. Helpful hint: Keep the shoulders off the ears, try to create a broad chest. It doesn’t matter how high you go but the form is key!
Plank/Push-up’s
Plank works the entire body. As moms, we don’t get much time to ourselves so we need an exercise that will give us more bang if you know what I mean. The once hated exercise is now my favourite because it never fails to give me quick results.
These exercises are a great way to keep the body strong. They only take a few minutes to do and can be done anywhere. Once you complete the exercises, expect to feel refreshed, energised and ready to take on your mommy day! Remember, every “body” is different and it is your job to listen to yours. Take it slow and modify where necessary. It’s not a race, you’ll get to where you want to go.
Good luck Beauty!
Stephanie
