9-mos PP and ABS still awful (c-section) - Any GREAT ABS DVD's

[mbschneider]

Hello, I am super-discouraged b/c my abs are totally wrecked since I had an emergency c-section 9 months ago. I was in great shape prior to pregnancy and, except for the abs, I am back in shape. I am very small - 5 feet, 100 lbs, but my abs look totally awful. None of my tops fit me anymore and I am way out of proportion (look about 5 months pregnant!). Anyone know what is happening here? My trainer says I have quite an abdominal split and also that the muscles deep in my belly are very stretched. Says I need to start to "suck in the belly" but, to me, that is not a good answer! Is surgery the only way to go? Can you suggest some really great exclusively abs videos that I can use to help out? I currently work out 5 x per week w/ 2 days of strength and abs work. Thanks so very much.

 

[laura35]

If your rectus is split which happens alot in pregnancy you will need to do specific ex for this. usually using a towel to pull it together while you do a basic crunch. its hard to explain in words. you should have no more than 1 1/2 finger width there and alot of women usually have more after having a baby. If you do have a split it will let your belly protrude and make you look bigger. good news is that with these ex's you can make it go back. I had 3 c-sections, 2 wwhich where emergency and planks also really helped me alot but make sure you really suck in your gut when you do these. I would first do the above ex's to fix this problem first.

 

[beth6395]

Just as the previous poster stated you can do it just hold your abs in. Reverse crunches hit the lower area. Denise Austin has great exercises for the C-Section abs you might try her website. She says when your brushing your teeth or driving in your car just hold them in as tight as you can count to 10 (don't forget to breathe) constantly hold them in it will change. I had 2 emergency C-Sections. Twins and my son.

beth6395

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