Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or suffer from gym phobia, very few of us would turn down the opportunity to sport a flat, toned stomach, but you don’t get it by wishing for it.
Between motherhood and daily responsibilities, we have a lot more on our minds than our tummies, especially when we're told that a tight tum is one of the most difficult things to achieve when it comes to fitness regimes, but that doesn't mean it's impossible should you want to try!
While there's certainly more to life than fretting about a few excess lbs, if you do hope to work on this specific area, then it's important to remember that it takes a lot of determination and even more perspiration.
Think you’re up to the challenge?
Check out our top five ways to achieve that toned tum you’ve daydreamed about!
1. Cut down on the carbs
You could spend half your life doing sit ups, but if you’re regularly pigging out on junk food, then it’s unlikely you’ll ever achieve the tum you want.
By cutting out stodgy food like white bread and pasta, you’re giving your body a headstart before you even step foot in the gym.
Like they say, you can’t outrun a bad diet so why not ditch the dodgy food and marvel at the result!
2. Cardio
Again, it’s not much use spending half your gym session in a sit-up position if you haven’t burned the fat off your abdomen to begin with!
So hop up on that treadmill and challenge yourself to short bursts of high-intensity cardio exercise which are proven to blast belly fat.
You may think you’re wasting your time, but believe us, those short, sweaty, uphill sprints on the treadmill are all working towards that goal body!
3. Pulse sit ups
Pulse sit up are fantastic for targeting your core and feeling the burn.
Lie on your back, place your feet on the floor and keep your knees bent.
Place your hands by your head and pulse upwards towards your knees in quick bursts over and over until you feel your core heat up!
4.Planks
The plank is an incredible addition to any exercise routine if you’re hoping to strengthen your core and achieve rock hard abs.
Face the floor and place your toes, elbows and lower arms on the ground.
Breathing in and out slowly, maintain that position by keeping your core tight and gluts engaged for approximately 60 seconds.
5. Russian Twists
Sit on the floor and raise your feet off the ground if you can, but don't worry if you can't manage that just yet!
Using a weight, twist at the waist while keeping your back straight in order to protect yourself from injury.
Repeat this ten times on each side, taking care to listen and respond any twinges and congratulate yourself on working those obliques!
Remember, a combination of diet, cardio and strength exercises are key to achieving a flatter tummy, but don't expect it to happen overnight and don't forget that your body may not respond as quickly as it used to before becoming a mummy!
Do your best and everything will happen in time!
