As you gain weight during pregnancy, your skin stretches to accommodate additional pounds in your midsection. After you lose weight, the skin may lose elasticity, resulting in a loose or saggy appearance. Building the muscles in your midsection can fill in saggy areas to give your stomach a tighter appearance. Perform abdominal exercises three times per week to tone loose areas and increase definition in your stomach.
Crunches
Crunches are a basic exercise to build the abdominal muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head to support your neck. Keep space between your chin and your chest, like you are holding a grapefruit. Exhale and lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Hold for one second. Slowly lower your shoulder blades toward the ground. Keep your upper body slightly elevated to keep your abs engaged. Do not let your upper body completely rest on the ground. Repeat this exercise for three sets of 25 repetitions.
Leg Raises
Performing leg raises stimulates the lower abdominal muscles. Begin on your back with your hands positioned under your hips. Lift your feet straight toward the ceiling and bend your knees at 45 degrees. Exhale while lifting your hips off the floor. Pause for one moment at the top of the movement. Inhale and slowly lower your hips to the ground. Repeat for three sets of 25 repetitions.
Planks
Planks work all the muscles in your midsection, including the abs, external obliques and lower back. Begin in a military-style push-up position. Lower your elbows to the ground. Hold this position for 45 seconds. Lower your knees to the ground to rest. Repeat plank holds for three sets.
V-ups
V-ups target the front of the abs and external obliques. Begin seated with your hands placed slightly behind your hips. Bend your knees in front of you and lift your feet off the floor. Slowly lean back and extend your legs straight. Exhale and squeeze your knees in toward your chest. Repeat the movement for three sets of 25 repetitions.
References
- Bodybuilding: A Beginners Guide to a Tight Midsection
- "Weight Training Manual"; National Federation of Professional Trainers; 2006
