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Permalink Reply by Jenn Bailey on March 16, 2013 at 6:56pm

My exercise regime used to be just a pilates video, plus any other general exercise (lunges, squats, crunches, etc). I really wasn't seeing results. My stomach was strong if I flexed, but there was a big layer of flab over it that just didn't look good. I started running, and that's what has actually made my midsection look good. The abs I knew I had from the exercises started to show! My only problem now is that I drink too much Diet Coke (aka the bloat-maker).

I know that running, or even jogging, is a pain and I used to avoid it at all costs.  A year and a half ago, I couldn't run half a mile without stopping and huffing and puffing. I used to be discouraged, running on a treadmill next to someone who was running faster and longer than me, while I'm struggling so much. I started small though and said "who cares what anyone else thinks?", and found myself able to jog a mile, then really run a mile, and now I've run in a few 5k's.

Some people can't run or jog for whatever reason, but I think that any sort of cardio would have the effect. Try the elliptical or bike, or if you don't have access to gym equipment, try doing jumping-jacks. I love television, so I'll sometimes do jumping-jacks followed by crunches during commercials. I've read that if you get your heart rate up before an exercise, you'll get better results.

 I am quite proud of my shape and honestly, I was worried that if I ran too much, I'd lose my boobs and curves. As long as I eat enough to balance what I've burned, I've found that my shape is still curvy, but a better curvy since my midsection looks more toned. Oddly enough, I've gained about 10 pounds in the past year and a half but I've gone down a dress size. It's muscle!

You said you're lazy about this sort of thing, and I was too. Lives are busy and it's easy to say "I'll do it tomorrow." My personal experience is that exercising is something I fit into my day because it makes me feel good. I feel strong and I'm happy with how I look. I hope that helps! You're gorgeous, so treat yourself right, however that might be :)

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Permalink Reply by cela hyatt on March 16, 2013 at 9:41pm

I do Crossfit, and it is the most amazing thing ever.  I also run, not as much as I should, but with the weather getting nicer I will get back into it.  I used to do Pilates until it got too easy that I didn't feel it anymore.  I also do the p90x ab ripper video which has been very effective, planks are really good for core strength building.  I have really firm ab muscles but I still have a bunch of loose, empty skin from pregnancy and from when I was overweight, it sucks cause I probably have a six-pack under there but you can't see it!  I am considering a tummy tuck to get rid of the extra skin, if it doesn't tighten up over the next couple years. 

http://youtube/mlVrkiCoKkg

crossfit...do it :)

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Permalink Reply by Amy Mulder on March 16, 2013 at 10:20pm

Thanks ladies, good advice and a bit of inspiration for me too! I've had success with pilates before, I wish I could run but my knees are heavily damaged and I'm not allowed to go anything faster than a power walk. I think once I make exercise part of my routine I won't dread as much as I currently do.

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Permalink Reply by cela hyatt on March 17, 2013 at 7:44am

Have you tried swimming? You can get great cardio with pretty much zero impact.  rowing is good if you have knee problems too. 

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Permalink Reply by Amber on March 17, 2013 at 7:22pm

I've stopped eating grains and dairy (and sugar) - basically eating a Paleo diet- my stomach toned right up! Hubby and I also started dancing and I think that has helped. I've dropped about 8 lbs this month (and that was after trying to lose weight for months and not dropping a pound). Can't wait for the weather to improve to start walking again.

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