Rock-N-Roll Abs

My biggest concern about getting back in shape postpartum was getting my tummy back in shape. I was convinced that it was going to be impossible to get my stomach back after seeing how far it stretched out! However, with a little hard work and dedication I'm on the way to getting my belly back and you can be too!

 This was me at 37 weeks pregnant! I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I would be posting a picture like this!

This was taken yesterday at 14 weeks postpartum.


Working my abs has always been my favorite part of a workout; I was very excited to get back into my ab routine postpartum. Here is short abdominal workout that is sure the get your belly back in shape!

AB ROLLER
This exercise requires an ab wheel which can be purchased for as a little as $10. I LOVE the ab wheel!!! It targets your entire core. This is a more advanced move so you may need to work your way into a full
extension.
Place your knees on the ground and wheel in front of you. Slowly roll the wheel out as far as you can. Keeping your core tight, use your stomach muscles to pull the wheel back into starting position.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

This exercise targets your obliques, or outer abs. Lye on your back with your legs straight and in the air, directly over your hips. In a slow, controlled motion, let your legs fall to the right until your feet are hovering just above the ground. Keeping your shoulders flat on the ground, use your stomach muscles to pull your legs back up and over to the left side. This is considered 1 rep.

SUPINE LEG LIFTS

This exercise targets your lower abs. It is performed in much of the same way as windshield wipers, except your legs are lowered in front of you instead of to the side. 

This photo was taken mid-lowering. Continue to lower your legs until your feet are hovering over the ground. If you
can't lower them that much, lower to a 45 degree angle.

CHERRY PICKERS

This is another exercise that targets your obliques. I usually perform this exercise while holding a weight, a more novice option would be performing it without a weight.

Balance yourself on your buttocks, knees bent, and feet off the ground. Using slow and controlled motions, rotate your torso to the left, and then to the right. Keep your hips facing forward and your legs as still as possible.

   

SWISS BALL JACKKNIFE

This exercise targets your lower abs and your transverse abdominis (inner abs).

Place the tops of your ankles/feet on the swiss ball while you balance your body in a plank position. Keeping your shoulders over your hands, roll your knees towards your chest, and return back to plank. 

Complete 3 sets of 15-20 reps of each exercise and you'll be well on your way to those rock hard abs!