Pregnancy can dramatically reshape your body, but luckily there are several ways to tighten your body and get it back in shape. Fat in the belly region is often the most difficult to lose, therefore ab targeting exercises are essential. Routine cardio exercise, weight training and a commitment to healthy eating can help you lose dreaded hanging baby fat. A lean and flat stomach does not appear overnight, thus it is essential to set reasonable goals.
Step 1
Perform at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day. Cardio exercise elevates your heart rate to a level that supports maximum calorie and fat burning throughout your entire body. Mix up cardio routine with workouts that you enjoy to help keep you consistent and help you stay motivated. Running, jump roping and kickboxing not only help target the abs, but also burn anywhere from 500 to over 1,000 calorie per hour depending on your intensity and current level of fitness.
Step 2
Weight train for at least 30 minutes a day following cardio exercise. Weight training helps build muscle mass which allows you to burn fat more efficiently throughout all physical activity. Do at least five sets of 20 or more repetitions of situps, crunches and push ups. These exercises help target and tone muscles in the abs including the rectus abdominus, external and internal obliques, and transverse abdominus.
Step 3
Consume less calories than you burn to help support fat loss. You must burn approximately 3,500 more calories than you eat to lose 1 lb. of fat. Your diet should consist of plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains while low in fat and cholesterol. Also be sure to drink at least 64 oz. of water each day and limit your intake of beverages high in sugar and caffeine to further support fat loss.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep track of your progress in a journal to help you stay motivated. Log your daily workout regimen as well as the number of calories you consume and kinds of foods you eat to monitor your success and help you reach your target.
- Always warm up and stretch properly before beginning any type of physical activity to help prevent the risk of injury
Things You'll Need
- Athletic shoes
- Journal
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