QuestionHi
My belly hasnt never recovered from the birth of twins, and this is compounded by my recently discovered, after several elimination diets, gluten intolerance-with abdominal distension as a main symptom. I have been like this since childhood.
Since going gluten free I have lost some weight, and most of the other symptoms have improved but my belly is still distended, although not as flabby.
Is it possible that the muscles or intestines have become permanently distended? I am doing lots of 'core' work which just seems to make my belly firmer not any smaller-I even have a faint 'six pack'!
I was thinking of wearing one of those slimming belts to 'train' my belly to stay in, after years of being pushed out thanks to the bloating-compunded by the pregnancy.
Thanks for any advice!
AnswerAbdominal binders will not strengthen your muscles. In the long run, wearing one will actually weaken your abs more, as the binder will be doing the work to support your abdomen and spine that your muscles should be doing.
It sounds like your abdominal muscles are lax: both weak and too long, and yes this is correctable with proper exercises. And since you had twin, your abs were stretched our further than with a singleton. But don't despair, your road back may be a bit longer, but it is definitely doable!
First you need to build A LOT of strength in your deepest abdominal muscle, your Transverse Abdominis, or TvA. Then, you need to train the muscle to function properly as a stabilizer. These two steps, in order, are key to flattening your abdominal wall.
More information about how to flatten the abdominal wall after pregnancy can be found on page:
http://www.befitmom.com/abdominal_reconditioning.html
