Stretch marks are common in both men and women and are seen especially in women during the later half of pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic defines stretch marks as pink, reddish or purplish indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs. One way to avoid, prevent and reduce stretch marks is exercise, because keeping your muscles firm will tone your skin. Tone and firm skin will stretch naturally and avoid stretch marks.
Squat and Stretch
This exercise is recommended by Shape Magazine to target your back and glutes which are common areas for stretch marks. Begin by standing with feet slightly wider than shoulder width, and raise your arms overhead. Palms will face each other, and thumbs should point back. Squat low, then exhale as you lower your arms and place palms or fingertips on the ground. Next straighten your legs as much as you can. Breath in as you return to the squat with your arms up. Repeat four to six times.
Crunch
A basic sit up will helping stretch marks by keeping the abdominal skin tight and creating a flatter appearance. Sit on the floor and with your legs straight in front of you and bend your knees. Your feet will be flat on the floor. Then slowly, lay your upper body down so your low back is resting on the floor. Your legs will lower slightly. Place your hands behind your head and raise your upper body to the point where your shoulder blades lift off the mat. This will count as one repetition. Preform three sets of 25 repetitions every other day.
Push-ups
Push-ups are the most basic exercise for helping stretch marks in the upper-arm and breast area. Begin by lying straight down on the floor with your palms facing down and touching the floor for support. Inhale before you start, then with an exhale, use your knees or toes to balance your body and push up with your hands. Hold for two seconds and then lower to the floor again with an inhale. This will count as one repetition. Aim for three sets of 25 repetitions every other day.
