Many people are left with wrinkled, excess skin on the lower abdomen after weight loss. If you are a new mom, it is likely that the stretching of the skin that took place during pregnancy will not instantly snap back and leave you with firm, smooth skin. The best way to reduce a wrinkly belly after weight loss or post-partum is by giving your skin time to rejuvenate and to tone the underlying abdominal muscles with exercise. Sit-ups and crunches are similar exercises that can help tighten your tummy.
Sit-ups
Step 1
Lay down with your back on a mat. Place the bottom of your feet on the ground and bend your knees.
Step 2
Bend your elbows and place the tips of your hands behind your ears.
Step 3
Contract your abdominal muscles. As you tighten the muscles, lift your head and shoulders off the floor until your head meets your knees.
Step 4
Hold for one second, while keeping feet flat on the floor. Ask a friend to hold your feet for you to secure them to the ground if you have difficulty keeping them down.
Step 5
Allow your head and shoulders to return, slowly, toward the floor. Stop before the shoulders reach the floor and repeat.
Crunches
Step 1
Lay down with your back on a mat. Place the bottom of your feet on the ground and bend your knees.
Step 2
Cross your arms over your chest, and contract (tighten) your stomach muscles.
Step 3
Keep your back straight as you lift your head and shoulders several inches off the floor (base this on your comfort level).
Step 4
Exhale as you raise your body. Inhale as you gradually lower your upper body almost back to the floor. Repeat this motion several times without letting your head or shoulders rest completely on the floor.
Step 5
Try a different variation of the crunch by lifting your legs in the air in an "L-position." This will work the lower abdomen more effectively.
Things You'll Need
- Exercise mat
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