Being a Mum can be a tough job! If getting back into shape is on your to-do list but you’re having trouble getting started, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Slendertone can help you to tone up, lose inches from your waistline and achieve firmer, flatter tummy in your own time! How? Slendertone is a tried and tested device for helping mothers’ firm and flatten their tummy from 4 weeks (Porcari, 2018), proven to boost body confidence in the same timeframe so that you can look and feel like your best self!
Slendertone To Strengthen Your Core
It's important to note that in order to get a more toned tummy after pregnancy, you need to work on strengthening your entire core. By incorporating Slendertone into your routine, you will find your tummy toning up without putting strain on the rest of your body. Core workouts should be done to achieve more than just a flatter tummy, aiming for strength and balance which affects the rest of your body. If you are postpartum, be sure to avoid strenuous exercises such as ab crunches. When you do that, your "flatter tummy" goal will fall right into place! You can see the results blogger Ali Williams “Mum in a Nutshell” achieved with her Slendertone!
“I’ve not only toned my stomach, it’s got definition and I’ve lost 3 inches around my waist as everything’s been pulled in.”
Diastasis Recti
To allow the baby to grow, the abdominal muscles need to stretch and expand. The rectus abdominis (the six pack muscles) are joined by soft connective tissue, known as the linea alba. This relaxes during pregnancy, allowing the muscles to come apart to accommodate the growing little one. This is known as diastasis recti and happens to some degree in all pregnancies. Separation of the tummy muscles affects 1 in 3 women after having a baby. Most people find that a slight diastasis naturally resolves itself by about 8 weeks after birth. In some cases, though, the function of the abdominal wall is compromised and needs help.
Importance should not be placed on closing this gap, but instead on strengthening the connective tissue and surrounding abdominal muscles. Our Mum Slendertoners have reported that using Slendertone has helped with this! However, we cannot guarantee that Slendertone will close the gap and we recommend consulting with your doctor to advise whether EMS technology is suitable for you.
Postpartum Ab Exercises
If you’re looking to get that pre-baby body back, then working your abdominals is the key to a flatter tummy and longer-lasting results. With your doctor’s approval, try these exercises to train the deep, tummy-firming transversus abdominis from one week after giving birth, or 8-10 weeks after a C-section.
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Pelvic Tilt (5-10 reps) - Lie on your back with bent knees and the soles of your feet on the floor. In this neutral position, the natural curve of your spine will lift the lower back slightly off the floor. Exhale and gently rock your hips toward your head. As you do this, you'll feel your lower back pressing into the floor. Stay here for a few breaths. When you're ready, inhale and return to your neutral position.
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Pelvic Bridge (5-10 reps) – Lie on your back with feet hips-width apart, knees bent. Contract the buttocks and pelvic floor to lift the buttocks several inches off the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds then slowly lower to start position and repeat.
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Heel Slide (5-10 reps)– Lie on your back with legs outstretched. Slide one heel as close to your buttocks as you can. Only bend your knee to a place that is comfortable.
These exercises are particularly beneficial for strengthening the transversus, buttocks and lower back to help build up your overall core strength.
By adding Slendertone to your routine, you ensure that all 4 of the core muscles, including the obliques are engaged.
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