The elliptical isn't ineffective or easy - but most people don't really utilize it to get the best workout.

Do high resistance intervals for 30 minutes. For 2 minutes, go on low resistance like 5-6. For the next 2 minutes, up that to 12-14. Repeat every 2 minutes until the 30 minutes are done.

Additionally, don't hold on to the stationary handlebars. Use the moving arms to help pull yourself, or balance yourself to go hands-free.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My youngest is 3 and I'm so tired of looking like I'm in my second trimester. Currently I use the elliptical, do Tracy Anderson PP program and try to eat healthfully. What else can I do? Has anyone had success with Core Wellness in Alexandria? I'd like to have one more baby so a tummy tuck is out for the time being.

There is A LOT of interpretation about what folks consider "healthful" eating. Write down everything that goes into your mouth for 2 weeks. By everything, I mean everything. Every bite you take off of your kids' plate, every nibble as you are preparing dinner, every glass of wine. Measure and weigh everything. One of the biggest problems we have is that we vastly underestimate our portions. Use an online program like My Fitness Pal to track it all. You will be able to see your calories and percentages of fat, carbs and protein.

I have run a marathon and been lifting weights. The weightlifting is really what made me look good. But I was still holding onto extra weight around my belly. It was when I started tracking and cutting out all the flour, white potatoes and white rice that I saw the pounds come off.

Absolutely this. I use myfitnesspal to track cals and when I enter my intake faithfully (including measuring correctly, including all beverages and condiments) it's amazing how much more I eat than I thought.

Anonymous wrote:My youngest is 3 and I'm so tired of looking like I'm in my second trimester. Currently I use the elliptical, do Tracy Anderson PP program and try to eat healthfully. What else can I do? Has anyone had success with Core Wellness in Alexandria? I'd like to have one more baby so a tummy tuck is out for the time being.

There is A LOT of interpretation about what folks consider "healthful" eating. Write down everything that goes into your mouth for 2 weeks. By everything, I mean everything. Every bite you take off of your kids' plate, every nibble as you are preparing dinner, every glass of wine. Measure and weigh everything. One of the biggest problems we have is that we vastly underestimate our portions. Use an online program like My Fitness Pal to track it all. You will be able to see your calories and percentages of fat, carbs and protein.

I have run a marathon and been lifting weights. The weightlifting is really what made me look good. But I was still holding onto extra weight around my belly. It was when I started tracking and cutting out all the flour, white potatoes and white rice that I saw the pounds come off.

Are you overweight or flabby? For women you will not lose the belly unless you are solid and at a low body fat.

I hate to break it to yoi, but the elliptical is a waste if you are looking to transform. Elliptical is good just to keep the body moving..kind of like walking.

People can say what they want about it, but I have the body to prove it. Went from a 16 to a 4 and I've had 3 kids and I'm 5'9". It was done with a clean diet, weights, and interval training.

A few sessions on the elliptical per week isn't going to help much. You need to really put in a great effort to truly see change, as thwy say, "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

Weight train. Lift heavy weights and low reps. You will not turn blocky; that is a myth. This has been the best and most effective way I have seen to truly transform your body. Run. It's the single most effective cardio exercise to burn calories. Most people do the elliptical because it's easy. Well, easy isn't going to help you look good.

Track every bite and every calorie you put in your mouth. Weigh and measure your food. Don't guess. Most people underestimate serving sizes and amounts. You have to truly be honest with yourself in order to make an impact on your shape.

OP here- thank you so much for all the really helpful replies! I think Diastis recti is the problem. Will definitely check into Mount Vernon Athletic Club too!

If you find out that it's not the issue listed above, how about a gym for motivation if you can afford it. I'm in Alexandria (mount vernon area) and I go to Mount Vernon Athletic Club. The fees, I believe are $40/month and $35 for spouse or other partner. It includes a ton of great classes morning and night. The trainers are also excellent. I'm down 3 sizes since Nov by diet and the gym. It's a small gym and I find that more comfortable than the larger gyms. Best part!!! FREE daycare! This is the reason I joined but I love it because of the staff and people. They do a biggest loser competition a few times a year also which I've seen a few people lose a great deal of weight and get into great shape. They also have a mom's club, a running club for women, and recently started training sessions for people interested in mud/obstacle runs.

www.mtvac.com The website doesn't really do it justice. Go in and see Sara, Madeline, or Jaime for a tour.

00:49 is right. Diastesis Rectii -- your stomach muscles have collapsed or separated. No amount of working out or exercise is going to fix this condition. You need to repair this surgically.

Google diastesis rectii -- you might have that. Transverse abdominal targeted excersizes or Tuppler technique if you need a program.

An electronic belt is what worked for my midsection. I have a Contour Belt, but I heard the Flex Belt is also good. I was skeptical at first, but this was the only thing that worked for me. I believe there are reviews on Amazon for these products. My midsection was huge before I tried this. Now my abs have good definition. No joke.

Good for you for working on your health.
One thing I've learned is you can't out train a bad diet, meaning you can exercise day and night but if you're still taking in more calories than you burn it's not going to come off. When I started adding up my calories I was shocked at the difference between what I thought I was taking in and the actual numbers. I use myfitnesspal for keeping track of calories eaten and burned. Some people might find it tedious but if you do it for just a few days you'll get a good idea of how much you're actually eating.

My youngest is 3 and I'm so tired of looking like I'm in my second trimester. Currently I use the elliptical, do Tracy Anderson PP program and try to eat healthfully. What else can I do? Has anyone had success with Core Wellness in Alexandria? I'd like to have one more baby so a tummy tuck is out for the time being.