ab problems

[mckeev5]

Cathe,

I am having problems with my lower abs and getting them in shape. I had a c-section 2 years ago and 1 year ago they recut the same spot when I had to have a hysterectomy(bikini cut). Do you have any suggestions to help me get these muscles to respond and get them toned?

Thanks

 

[amy_b]

Hi, There,
Not Cathe, but experienced on the subject (2 c-sections, 4 pregnancies) . SERIOUS ab workout routines done regularly with your abs tucked as tight as you can will HELP. Pay really close attention to all the form pointers, too to make sure you are maximizing your effort.
However, sometimes scar tissue will not return to a flat, youthful look, no matter how much exercise you do. Don't let that discourage you from really working your hardest. Yours might respond really well. If not and if its REALLY important to you, there are Dr.s who specialize in scar reconstruction, but I would definitely try good old fashioned hard work first.
Good Ab workouts- Cardio and Weights, Bootcamp abs done all at once, Kick Punch Crunch abs repeated twice, SJP abs x2, I'm sure there are LOTS more, but that's what I do. BOSU is also GREAT for the lower abs.
Good luck! Try not to evaluate your success too early, scar tissue might take much longer to respond.
Amy

 

[mckeev5]

Hi Amy

Thanks for the great response. I figured it would take some time and hard work to get those stubborn abs to respond. They have had a lot of stretching with having 3 boys(9,7,2) and the last bring c-section and a hysterectomy a year later. I will give your suggestions a go and see hopefully see some results in the near future.

 

[amy_b]

HI, Sabrina,
Yes, those kids do make room for themselves, don't they? You can check your connective tissue yourself. You know that fibrous stuff that holds the muscles together? In some people, it gets stretched out from babies and splits. (I know, ouch, yuck). Lie on your back on the floor with your legs straight. Then lift your legs about 6 inches off the floor w/ abs tight and feel around your navel going up towards the sternum and down towards the pelvic bone. You should be able to feel a hole in your ab wall at the belly button and maybe a separation either on the lower side or possibly both upper and lower.

No matter what you find, you can greatly improve it with diet and exercise. If you are all split and lumpy and scar tissued, well....your chances of looking super tight are less.

I'm working on my abs and my diet and I can see TONS of improvement since I decided to work at it much harder. (I had my split repaired a year ago but exercise is continuing to make a *dramatic* improvement.)

 

[mckeev5]

amy b

I will have to check this later, thanks. I didn't know you could have the split repaired. I will hope for the best.

Have you noticed certain ab exercises working better than others in the lower abs? This is where I am most concerned. It is like I have a ridge right above my scar. I am trying to figure out the best way to get rid of it. It still seems pretty numb even after a year.

Thanks again