Anyone wanna share tips on firming waist/abs

[Mommy2Lots]

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[ohMom]

i'm surprised pilates didn't bring you results, that would've been my first suggestion. are you doing a pilates DVD workout, can i ask which one?

how about good old fashioned crunchers? i prefer doing them on a stability ball myself.

honestly, for me, i noticed an improvement in my core strength through pilates and yoga, i have done yoga for about 3-4 years now and pilates off and on during that time.

another great ab toner is to get in a plank position, on your toes, and hold it for xx amount of time, figure out how long it takes before you start to feel fatigue and feel yourself start to quiver/shake and then use that as your base time to build up from.

even though it's tempting avoid dipping too low in your caloric intake, you will set your metabolism into 'starvation mode' and instead of burning calories your body will actually store fat in it's primitive fear and instinct to survive the impending threat of starvation. instead try to focus on good nutrition including a balance of low-fat protein to help your body build muscle

[Mommy2Lots]

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[r3ngels]

I feel your pain... I would love any ideas too.

(especially after I spent the 4th with my 6 pack ab sister in law and we both have 3 kids so I can't even use that excuse ;) )

[Tiger Lily 03]

Since cardio is out, I will go with what has already been said. Yoga and pilates. You may add in any non-cardio mucsle toning not just abs.

While the basic is calories in must be less than calories out in order to lose, you may add that the more overall muscle tone you can develop the more efficient you will burn those calories. As has been said, don't go into starvation, I always say don't use the "d-word" because it makes me want more. Go with the healthy eating choices idea.

Do yourself-your body a favor. Grab the healthy choices, make your portions a bit smaller, work on overall tone, especially pilates/yoga related to keep your core strong.

Good luck on your quest. Let us know of your progress. Join in on any of the threads or start one of your own.

Keep on keepin' on!

[Mommy2Lots]

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[disneymom3]

Hi there, I am not in much position to give advice cause I still have a lot to lose. However, I would encourage you to drink milk, eat yogurt etc. They have done quite a few studies lately showing that people who get the right amount of calcium get rid of more fat.

I also wanted to say I really like your blog. I homeschool too. (In fact there is quite a thread on the Family Board about homeschooling if you haven't ventured over there yet.)

[disneyfanatic23]

Abs are a tricky thing. It is really hard to get them to be tone. Since your are doing everything excerices wise that I would suggest (although if you lift weights try doing your upper body while standing on a bosu ball or laying on a stability ball and doing crunches on the stability ball. It helps to work your ab muscles from all angles.) It could be what your eating that is causing the problem. You need to have a really healthy eating habit (clean diet) for it to work right. I hope that helps!!! I am working really hard on my abs because after having 2 kids I have that flab of fat in my lower abs and it just is determined to stay there so I feel your frustration!

Christina

[Mommy2Lots]

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