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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Hi OP. [b]Some body changes you may experience are not fitness related. Women typically thicken in the middle and the hourglass shape is less pronounced. Having kids can rearrange your abdomen and change the shape.[/b] My pre-kid abs were completely shredded. My abs after a couple kids are still defined and noticeable... but I have diastasis recti. When I am doing ab work, the area in the center of my abs actually pokes out!

You'll eventually have to make a decison about whether the look or the results matter more. For example, you may have stretch marks or loose skin that does not improve and requires surgery to improve the look. But, a tummy tuck is a major surgery that will sideline your athletic goals while you recover. I have very low body fat and when you look at me, you can see that I look very toned. But, there are all these imperfections that didn't exist before kids. For me, it's okay to have the minor problems- abs that are no longer perfect, mostly- since I am in peak athletic form based on performance. So clarify that for yourself- is this about looks or performance- and that will guide your approach to the future. If it is looks, no amount of athletics will help and you need to save money for surgery. [/quote]
This. Changes to your hormones in late-30s/early-40s will definitely do a number on your muscle tone. Couple that with what kids do to your bone structure and abdominal tissues, and it's hard to look anything like your pre-kids self without surgery. That said, the most important thing is to keep working out. If you like what you're doing, I would not recommend changing it until circumstances force you to. That said, I would recommend to anyone that running is an insufficient exercise routine and you should supplement with weight training (probably swap some days that your run for weights instead). I personally like HIIT, but it might not be for everyone. I don't think it would have been for me in my early 30s either, when I was more of a hiker/long distance cycler/climber/weights person.

FWIW, I'm 41, and after 2 kids I'm at the same clothing size and weight I was pre-babies. But my body looks nothing like it did before, since my pelvis spread. I can fit into some pre-pregnancy clothing but not others because my bone structure has changed. I do HIIT, yoga, and pilates pretty regularly. I run short-ish distances. Most of my outdoor hobbies are on-hold until it'll be easier to take longer blocks of time on a weekend or my kids can join in...but DH and I do take the kids on short hikes etc. Most of the women at my (small group) gym are younger than me and many don't have kids, but I am still one of the fittest ones there...so there is hope as long as you have realistic expectations.[/quote]

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