Stomach Exercises?

So I'm pretty sure Tammy had written a post on this or something similiar after having Jackson, but either I'm totally missing it, or it was deleted or something. I've tried every search term combo I could think of.

Anyway! I've never exercised EVER, but it's become very apparent after having a baby that I need to do something. Ok, so my stomach has gone down. I don't really have a belly left, but there is a little something. I don't think it's flab, but it's definitely jiggly and I'd like to tone and tighten it up a bit!

For those of you who actually exercise and know what the heck you are doing (becaue I have no clue!), what do you suggest? The only things I can think of are sit-up and stomach crunches. Would those be the best types for toning the area? I don't want to lose weight at all, just tighten. That's why I'd rather just do this at home as opposed to going to a gym.

I know everyone is probably different, but should I do this stuff everyday? How long per day? Would 10-15 minutes a day be enough to see results? I mean, I'm not expecting overnight results, but I just don't know if 15 minutes worth of stomach exercises is even going to do anything, or if it's something I should invest more time in.

Thanks for any help! I feel so out of my element with this.

Jessica -

a) again, you are so funny/cute

can I say "I hate you" to a woman who just had a baby & doesn't need to lose weight?

c) My advice:

clearly you don't need an intestive routine based on what you look like & what you say. I would definitely start with crunches every other day. Work up over time in terms of quantity.

d) if that doesn't work, I reccomend pilates dvd's - 20 minutes/3 times per week & you will be very good to go!

If you have cable look to see if you have Exercise on Demand. I tune in to that channel and pick stomach exercises and it's about 10- 15 minutes long. They mix it up so it's not boring and you just follow the instructor = ) I do it every other day. That should show results for you.

Its really cheesy, but there's a DVD out there called 8 minute abs. Works pretty well for me. Or at least it used to until I stopped exercising. Now that I'm getting married, I'm going to have to dig that sucker out again...

Make sure your doing lower ab excersices too and not just crunches... If you don't know of any I'm sure you could look up some online. Kinda hard to explain. If you decide to do an ab DVD, they'll show you!!

Here's a couple of easy exercises to do...

Get into a push-up position with your face looking down at the ground. Hold this position with your arms extended, back and legs straight for as long as you can. Rest for a minute and then do it again. This is a great whole body tightener but you will really feel it in your abs muscles, gluts too as they squeeze to hold you in position.

I like to then drop down to my forearms and do it again.

Another totally easy and effective one is side bends. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and one arm up above your head stretch to each side (8-10) reps and repeat until you're tired!

I wore a girdle to bring everything back after my daughter and I had no stretch marks and my 6 pack back since I nursed. but with this big headed monkey Amir. I didnt was too cute for a girdle and now I look 6 months pregnant. Thank God for DDD's so it is pretty well hidden

"big headed monkey"!!! that's hysterical. kids are so awesome, just wish they didn't screw your body in the process.

i never thought of trying a girdle. i've never had a six pack, but that would be awesome!i'm still wearing my belly band though.

the belly band was support you was fiorm holds the muscles in