Given the fact that I am a 35 year old woman who has had a baby I know all about having a mid section that is not swimming suit ready. There are a few things one can do to help trim the waistline.
Lower your stress level-Stress causes your adrenal glands to excrete cortisol, which is good for immediate danger, but long term it will make your mid section bigger. Try yoga, meditation, prayer, breath work, affirmations, and prioritize remembering you are only one person and the world will not come to an end if you do not get the “to do” list done today.
Diet ideas- White flour, sugar, and hydrogenated vegetable oils will make you fat. Try rice flour, sprouted grain toast, real organic butter, almonds, olive oil, and sweeteners like stevia or agave nectar. Fill up on your veggies and eat 6 times a day to increase your metabolism.
Exercise ideas-Do cardio, any cardio is better than none. I get bored with this myself. Currently I have added kickboxing and now that is nice outside take a fast paced walk. Yoga and Pilate’s are great as well. I know classes can be intimidating but they are worth trying out even if it is a spinning class occasionally. If you don’t belong to a gym there are still numerous classes such as salsa dancing or even pole dancing. ( I have a friend with 6 pack abs because of this ladies only class). Just ask around and ask a friend to join.
Lifting ideas- Stand on one leg during a bicep curl, use a bosu ball to squat on , use discs, use core balls to really work the abs a new way, use kettle balls, use an aerobic ball to do a chest press. Get off the machines and do lunges and anything that works more than one muscle at a time. Exhale on the exertion and hold your tummy in. Get away from doing only crunches. That baby belly will be a lot trimmer if you work the underneath muscles as well. The entire core area will get stronger if you implement these ideas into your work out routine.
Personal trainers are great at designing programs. We are also trained to teach you proper form so that you are safe and so that you get the most out of your exercise program.
Have fun and good luck!
Amy McCae 