Ab Workout Video Recommendations

[jif]

In a similar vein to Jessica's "mantras & support" thread, I am also trying to find the motivation to exercise and lose baby weight. Baby #2 was *big* and consequently so was I during the pregnancy. Now I'm dealing with an ugly, flabby (and overweight) stomach, among other things. I never used to carry weight in my stomach, but now it's the area I'm most self conscious about.:(

So, in addition to needing to get back into healthier eating habits, I'm looking for recommendations for a good ab workout video. I haven't formally exercised much for the past few years (other than chasing after my 4 1/2-year-old and my 14-month-old DS's), so I need something that will be appropriate for a beginner level but will hopefully yield some firming/toning results too.

Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

[Robyn1007]

First, I'm going to be honest. You can't get flat abs without cardio to burn the fat. If all you do is crunches etc you'll still have a layer of fat on top of those great muscles. Ask me how I know. ;):rolleyes:

I'd highly recommend trying some Pilates to tone and tighten your entire core area. I've liked a few of the Gaiam videos.

[jif]

Robyn,

Thanks, and I figured as much. No getting around the actual cardio sweat to burn off some of that fat, huh?! ;)

I do have a few cardio and pilates DVDs that I like (or liked is more appropriate, since I haven't done them for awhile!), but the ab portions of the workouts usually seem kind of short, and I think I am going to need to pull out the big guns and really do some target exercising to get that area back in some sort of non-sagging shape! But maybe since I'm such a beginner again, just doing those workouts would be enough for now.

Thanks for the Gaiam videos suggestion. I've seen them but haven't tried one yet.

[Robyn1007]

Pilates is really all about core so that shouldn't seem short. If it does try to consciously engage your core as you do the entire workout.

I've started doing the 15 minute ab class at my gym on occasion and boy does that get my core's attention. The first time I was in pain for a week! :eek:

Oh, one other thought, you can do planks pretty easily just while watching tv or what not. You might try adding those in to your evening routine even without turning on a tape.

[jif]

Sorry - I'm pretty out of the exercise "loop"....what are planks?

Yikes, I'm dreading the pain already. You know, the I-just-started-exercising-again-and-can't-move-a-muscle pain!:rolleyes:

[Robyn1007]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHQmRINu4jU

Just remember, the pain, as long as it's reasonable in it's levels, will pay off immensely. I restarted my quest a bit over a year ago and am now training for triathlons and some other events. Check out my blog for more about my journey.

[jif]

Thanks for the link! That doesn't look easy, but I'll definitely have to give it a try!

[TKay]

Just wanted to jump in here. I'm not disagreeing with Robyn at all about the need for cardio and not being able to spot tone. But I will say that after having a very strong core before kids and a totally ruined one afterwards, I think it's great that you want to strengthen your mid-section again--and I do think it's wise to put abs into the mix. I really do think you'll be glad you did.

For me, I had killer ab strength before having babies. Aftewards, I could not do a crunch to save my life. Really, the difference was astonishing. I have now built back up, but my youngest is seven. I applaud you working on it now.

I recently purchased a Bender Ball (http://www.benderball.com/?gclid=CJaxjfOfo5oCFSRPagodTwi79g)(which I've mentioned elsewhere on this BB). My review is somewhat mixed. While I'm doing the workout, I feel like I'm absolutely targeting my abs (there's a buns and thighs segment too). But afterwards, I haven't had that crippling soreness I'd normally expect. So I can't say the workout is spectacular.

I'd agree that pilates would be a good choice for you as well. Do you get satellite TV or cable? On our system, we have a a channel called FitTV. There are various workouts on it. If you get that, you might record some segments and try out different approaches. There was even a belly dancing show that taught you how to shape up while swinging your hips. ;)

Good luck and be patient with yourself. Your body's been through some major changes.

[funniegrrl]

Great page about abs, from a generally righteous and bodacious web site:
http://www.stumptuous.com/abdominal-training

Kathy Smith has some good videos -- she has two Pilates DVDs as well as two DVDs called "Lift Weights to Lose Weight" (the original and a vol 2). Both include good ab workouts.

I will also second the rec for Gaiam -- don't know about their pilates/ab videos specifically, but I've liked other products I've seen from them.

ETA: Keep in mind that a STRONG CORE can be quite different from a FLAT BELLY. You can be able to crush bricks with your crunches and still have a midsection that has excess cushioning. Also, keep in mind that there really is no such thing as "firming" and "toning." As Krista on Stumptuous.com says (and I'm paraphrasing), "There is fat loss, and there is muscle building. There is nothing else." http://www.stumptuous.com/lies-in-the-gym

[Robyn1007]

ETA: Keep in mind that a STRONG CORE can be quite different from a FLAT BELLY. You can be able to crush bricks with your crunches and still have a midsection that has excess cushioning.

This is exactly what I mean. I don't mean you shouldn't do core because whether you have a flat belly or not having a strong core is very valuable to your overall health (posture, back pain, general body support etc). But, the only way to get a truly flat abs is to burn the fat off as well as do the core work.

[jif]

Thank you funniegrrl and TKay for the info and the recommendations. I took a quick look at the Stumptuous.com link and it looks like there is also a lot of really good information on there.

I think it will be necessary for me to take the 3-step approach - lose weight (dieting...or better yet, permanently change my eating habits for the better) to help with the belly bulge(s), improve my core strength (definitely would be beneficial as I haul around my 26lb 14-month-old!), and work on building up my ab strength again. My abs were in ok shape before kids, but now I think the muscles are kaput!

And TKay, thanks for the words of support re: getting back out there and trying to start exercising. I'd been feeling guilty, like I'd been putting it off too long, but you're right - my body (and life) have been through a lot of changes, so some of my excuses are valid ones! ;)

[KristiB]

I like Cathe's Core Max video.

http://www.shopcathe.com/product_p/642.htm

They do show it on FitTV is you want to try before you buy. Or not buy and keep it on the DVR :o

[jif]

Great - thank you for the recommendation, KristiB :)