Reader Elaine recently sent me the following question:
Jordan, have you ever come across anything that works to truly tone/flatten the dreaded tummy area? After three kids the skin is so stretched it’s depressing. I saw your wrinkle cream posting and I don’t need much encouragement to buy lotions & potions so my wallet thanks you!! Anyway I thought you may have some ideas for me. Thanks a million!
And I tried to answer as best I could…
Hey Elaine!
I sent your question off to Dr. Romita, a plastic surgeon I’ve interviewed in the past, and he said that unfortunately, if there’s serious skin loosening the only solution is a tummy tuck: OTC lotions will help with hydration, but they won’t solve the problem. Not the advice you want to hear, I know. This isn’t a topic I’m particularly knowledgeable about, but I suspect that the answer really is – annoyingly – eating well and doing crunches. I think Mary (More Than Mary) might have some good advice on this one – I’m going to forward your email to her to see if she has any more exciting answers for you!
So I sent Mary an email with Elaine’s question, and this was her advice:
Unfortunately sometimes pregnancy can stretch the skin beyond belief and the only way to really remedy it is surgery. But, as an FYI, crunches will not really help. More crunches strengthen the muscle, which makes it bigger so it expands. Cutting carbs and cardio are the best methods to fight your tummy. Running (not jogging) especially helps because it forces you to use your abs to pull your legs to move faster. This keeps the muscle lean.
For more of Mary’s fitness tips, click here.
