ab work = bloating? page

[MaceyK]

I gave birth 7 weeks ago and have been cleared by my Dr to workout again. I had a c section so I have been taking it easy. I will only do about 25 crunches at a time. But after any ab work (not just crunches) my tummy gets really bloated. Has anyone else have this happen? I hate working out and then looking like I am 4 months pregnant afterwards. To say the least, it is really discouraging!

[dado]

yo won't bloat

[Chochobo]

dont need to do crunches to workout abs just do core exercises. seems like to me after c section 7 weeks in not that long for recovery, but im no doctor. maybe start with planks, do some light kettlebell workouts, ive even done pilates(freakin brutal IMO). just engaging ur stomach muscle is a workout, so tighten ur abs muscles every once in awhile for like 20secs every hour if u want.

[Coach Palfrey]

I gave birth 7 weeks ago and have been cleared by my Dr to workout again. I had a c section so I have been taking it easy. I will only do about 25 crunches at a time. But after any ab work (not just crunches) my tummy gets really bloated. Has anyone else have this happen? I hate working out and then looking like I am 4 months pregnant afterwards. To say the least, it is really discouraging!

Crunches after a c-section aren't a great idea - you'll need exercises like planks rather than exercises that shorten the rectus abdominis

[jakey]

Crunches after a c-section aren't a great idea - you'll need exercises like planks rather than exercises that shorten the rectus abdominis

maybe start the planks on your knees if full planks hurt too much. i think the bloating may be a sign of inflammation, quite natural in this case. being a guy, and never having given birth, i can only surmise that you'll need to go s-l-o-w.

[jfreaksho]

Also, crunches are a pretty useless exercise.
Planks are great, or leg lifts while lying on your back are better than crunches.

I heard earlier today on the forums that chinups stimulate the abdominal muscles more than any other exercise, but I haven't verified the research. It does match with my personal experience, though.

*Edit* It was Kharnath's post in the following thread:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/thread42188.html

[Glamorama]

You are starting way too early, and crunches are a big no-no after a ceaserean. I had one 5 years ago, and there was no way I was exercising past slow walking well into 12-14 weeks after. You've had major survey where they cut through your abdominal muscles, you really shouldn't be doing crunches now.

[Kharnath]

I gave birth 7 weeks ago and have been cleared by my Dr to workout again. I had a c section so I have been taking it easy. I will only do about 25 crunches at a time. But after any ab work (not just crunches) my tummy gets really bloated. Has anyone else have this happen? I hate working out and then looking like I am 4 months pregnant afterwards. To say the least, it is really discouraging!

Ask a medical doctor for advice.

[Forever Young]

Ask a medical doctor for advice.

Yeah because they are so knowledgeable! If they say it it must be so.

[Kharnath]

Ask a medical doctor for advice.

Yeah because they are so knowledgeable! If they say it it must be so.

This thread is about a million years old. However, she had a C-section and experienced weird bloating when doing abdominal exercises. I'm curious, who do you think she should ask for medical advice if not her doctor? Her accountant? Her lawyer perhaps? Or maybe the anonymous people here on Mark's Daily Apple??