does anyone know of any really effective exercises to do after a c-section to tighten the belly back up? Its been 15 months and ive tried literally EVERYTHING.
I have not tried piloties, but im probably going to do that next since nothing else has worked.
Pilates...It took me a few years to buy into this. It totally works and feels great after a few months. I would advise going for a class at least once a week and then maybe a tape once a week. You can either do the machine or mat. I think a mix is the best for fastest results. I am about to start again after my second c-section. I was able to do it throughout my pregnancy.
Have you tried Pilates? That truly focuses on core muscles. Start with the beginning version, but to get real results, work up to advanced levels (like the P90X core ab workout).
I'm about to have my 4th c-section in 3 months. Sadly, there isn't much you can do. I am extremely active (when I'm not pregnant), as I usually work out 6 days a week to an amazing program that has given me great results everywhere but my tummy. I wish had some great advice to offer but I've tried everything too. Pregnancy stretches those muscles out and having multiple pregnancies AND c-sections doesn't help the situation.
I had a similar problem, I joined a gym and went to ab classes, using weights also help like the medicine balls, having some resistance builds your abs. It focuses primarily on abs, and they teach you different excercises for you love handles, lower abs ( where the c section scar is ) upper, etc. I found that it helped a lot. along with running and eating correctly. But if its the skin that is just stetched out, I would go see your doctor. Because unforunately, that cant be tightened up with just excercise. I would know because I work at a plastic surgeons office. If you arent done having kids dont do anything surgical. But if you are I would consider it. Not looking like "yourself" after a baby can really hurt your self esteem. I know it did with me, breast feeding ruined my breasts so after a year I had a breast aug. But otherwise, try using weights when you do ab workouts. I hope this helped!
definitely Pilates..nothing better for the core. and it works fast.
I teach pilates, it's a wonderful way to strengthen your muscles. I use the On Demand function from my cable for ideas. If you have Comcast or AT&T go to Exercise TV and try out some pilates videos. It's free and this way you can do it at home while your baby is sleeping or may even want to try it with you :-D
HI! I had a C/S 6.5 yrs ago. I had to put myself back together as the hospital offered no exercises/ support.
First, make sure your shoulders and low back are not doing the lifting.
Engage your pelvic floor and use your transverses (inner HOME DEPOT belt) to lift. This is the area between your pubic bone and above belly button- Imagine squeezing a grapefruit just behind your belly button/ draw belly to spine as you exhale and lift. DO NOT BULGE but rather, GATHER (like a corset) The most importand thing is to try to ISOLATE this muscle so you don't forget about it completely. Also, most women who have had a C/S have diastasis recti (abdominal separation) This can make you look like you are still pregnant/ carrying extra weight when actually, your inner organs are bulging out since your rectus abdominal muscle (6 pak) has split. Other tips: accupuncture on your scar, myfoascuial massage to break up scar tissue. Chek out www.mamalates.com for more info.
Good luck!! And remember, you can VBAC!!
I had to have three C-sections!!!!! While toning and weight loss, diet helps. buty will never be the same because of cut muscles....I am waiting for the day I can plan/schedule my tummy tuck...My mom had one several years after her C-section and her belly looks fabulous!!!!!!
Oh and by the way...BF does cause sagging breasts!!! One post said it didn't...Don't let that fool ya...Didn't BF myself and while my gut went south due the C section...My boobs are still right where they need to be....Glad I don't have to think of breast augmentation in addtion to the tummy tuck :)
You need to do stomach exercises that work the obliques.
So, do NOT do crunches.... do exercises that work the sides.... crossing over to the opposite knee, for example.
That is what my Doctor told me.
BUT... I also have what is called "Diastasis." Which is a split in the abdominal wall. Not due to the c-sections I had... but because my kids were so big.... when I was pregnant. Diastasis is when the abdominal wall separates. You can read about it online.
With Diastasis.... your tummy will still look pregnant... protruding out.
That is what... I look like....
I even had to explain that to my Husband, about Diastatis.
He would even tell me how come I still look pregnant in his ignorant "Man" way.
