Tummy Tighteners

Wow, love this tip. I hate stomach crunches & its such a hard area to exercise properly without them

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Originally Posted by cougar_princess This "secret tip" I don't share too willingly with just anybody - but for my Sisters I will devulge my secret. A quick way to tighten your tummy (when your body says it's ready - no sooner) is an easy exercise you can do anywhere, sitting, standing, driving......it's a modified crunch without laying on the floor. Pull your tummy in as tight as you can tolerate, then with your tummy still pulled in contract (tighten) your tummy muscles while exhaling - then release the tightened muscle in your tummy (still keep your tummy pulled in though) inhale - then as you exhale tighten your tummy again. (think of exhaling as when you would come up into a crunch) You can also bend forward on the exhale and sit up straight on the inhale. These work just as well or even better than doing a standard crunch. It shouldn't hurt your back or your neck AND the bonus is you can do them anywhere you want and as often as your body will allow. This is one exercise I have been doing faithfully for the last 12 years due to no time to exercise. (I used to do these at my desk at work - and no one even knew I was doing them)

wow, it works! Am 5 weeks out from total abdominal hysto, but this is great. Still not ready for crunches.

Thnx for this.

Love this tip. Only 6 weeks post but starting immediately. It's so gentle.

I have just started my tummy is horrible i am hoping for the best. Thanks a lot

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Originally Posted by Big Chikin I could see how those would work. I just did 5 at my desk and now I'm tired Thanks for the tip. I am unable to do conventional sit-ups or crunches because of pain from an old abdominal surgery scar. These might do the trick since they seem to mostly work the lower abs (my problem area).

This is a great one to do now, at the beginning!

Once we get back in the swing of things, there is also the plank--that is what has worked for me--though, now at 3 weeks out, there is NO way I can plank right now!

A beginning plank is to get on your knees and elbows and to make sure that your body is in a straight line (a plank of wood). Hold that position for 10-15 seconds. Repeat 3 times. do daily. Work your way up to a minute, adding 5 seconds at a time (usually on a weekly basis) Then start over with the position of knees and toes. When you get up to a minute (or even 1:30!), start over, with a full "push up" position.

Trust me, that will work out your core like nobody's business! My surgeon was impressed!

Now...to get the layer of fat off....