Working out after a c-section is something every woman should take at her own pace, after the doctor go-ahead. In most cases, medical professionals recommend women waiting between six to eight weeks before beginning any physical exercise. This major abdominal surgery is hard on the stomach muscles, but there are some "flatten belly after c-section surgery" exercises that produce real results.
Flatten Belly After C-Section with Cardio
Most people think you get rid of belly fat by doing crunches, sit-ups, and abdominal work. Unfortunately, you cannot spot treat fat. One of the best ways to shed those extra fat pounds around the middle is with cardio exercise. This is perfect for women working out after a c-section because they don’t have to isolate the abdominal muscles to see initial results.
Walking is probably the best post delivery exercise. You can begin short, walks very soon after giving birth. You can walk inside on a treadmil while the baby sleeps, or you can take your newborn on a low impact walk with the stroller. Getting your heart pumping is a great cesarean workout.
Recovery After C-Section: Initial Belly Exercise
As soon as you get home from the hospital, there are some easy toning exercises you can do even during your recovery after c-section surgery. It may sound simple to you now, but doing something as simple as holding your stomach in while you stand or walk helps to flatten belly post baby.
Once you think you are up to it, move on to an exercise that is a bit more difficult (but not much). While you sit watching television, or while you change your baby’s diaper, do gentle isometric stomach muscle contractions. This is a way to work the abdominal muscles without putting too much stress on the cesarean incision or the healing abdomin.
More Advanced Exercise Post Cesarean to Flatten Belly Post Baby
After six to eight weeks, your doctor will give you the post delivery exercise "okay". Now is when the real work begins. Now that your body has healed tremendously, you can begin more intense ab work. Lie on your back with your legs straight out and your hands under your bottom. Then, lift your legs about 8 inches from the floor and scissor them back and forth in 20 second intervals. If you find this too difficult, raise your legs slightly.
Once that baby is born, many women want to begin working out after pregnancy to lose those extra pounds and get a flatter stomach. Those who want to exercise post cesarean surgery, however, have to wait a bit longer and give their incision a chance to heal. Use this article as a guide to plan your cesarean workout routine and flatten your belly.
Related Article:
Recovery After C-sections: Scar Treatment
Sources:
BabyCenter.com, "I had a c-section. When Can I Start Exercising?", accessed February 22, 2011.
Kendra Dahlstrom - Kendra has been a freelance writer for over 5 years. Her subjects of choice include personal finance, health, and family. Before working ...
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