Many moms live with the misconception that they can never have the shapely body they had prior to having a baby. Not only does the task seem overwhelming, but who has time to go to the gym? Fortunately, you can perform some simple exercises that tighten your abdominal muscles and restore your flat tummy right in the convenience of your own home.
Forearm Plank
The forearm plank strengthens the abdominal and arm muscles. Kneel with your elbows and knees on the floor. Position your elbows directly under your shoulders. Tighten your abdomen muscles and lower your backside until your body is in a straight line from the shoulders to the knees. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Return to the start position. Repeat five times. You can increase the level of difficulty by extending your legs and balancing on your toes, extending the hold time or doubling the repetitions.
Alternating Arm and Leg Lift
This exercise firms the stomach, arms and legs. Kneel with your hands and knees on the floor. Place your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Clench your stomach muscles. Simultaneously extend your left arm forward to shoulder-height and your right leg backward to hip-height. Hold this position for five seconds. Return to the start position. Switch arms and legs, and repeat the exercise. Perform 10 repetitions on each side. To maximize the workout, you can attach weights to your ankles and arms, raise the hold time to 10 seconds or increase the repetitions.
Scissor Kick
This exercise tones and tightens your abdominal and calf muscles. Lie on your back and position your hands palm-down, directly under your backside. Squeeze your stomach muscles and press your back into the floor. Lift your right leg off the floor about 12 inches. Gradually return the leg to the floor. While lowering the right leg, lift the left leg. Perform two sets of 10. To intensify the workout, increase the repetitions or secure weights to your ankles.
Single-Leg Stretch
The single-leg stretch strengthens your abdominal, back and leg muscles. Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms at your sides. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Raise your shoulder and head off the floor and tuck your chin toward your chest. Bring your hands together, and interlock your fingers. Bend your right leg, and grasp it with your hands. Pull your knee down as if trying to touch your chest. Extend your left leg and raise it 15 inches off the floor. Hold this position for five seconds. Relax, and return to the start position. Execute 10 times. Switch legs, and repeat the exercise. You can increase the degree of difficulty by lengthening the hold time, adding to the number of repetitions or attaching weights to your ankles.
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