A tummy tuck can make you feel great about yourself in more ways than you can imagine. However, a slimmer waistline isn’t permanently guaranteed. Following surgery, you have to get back into the gym and work at your exercise routine.
Six weeks after your procedure you can start exercising as usual, once you clear it with Dr. Moraitis. But what exercises should you be doing to keep your new, slimmer shape? Here are a few that both support weight loss and your trimmer tummy.
Crunches
It’s key that you focus on your abdominal muscles following your surgery. With that in mind, crunches are a great way to start.
• Lie on your back and bring your legs to your chest
• Cross your ankles and place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointed straight out
• Slowly contract your abdominal muscles and bring your head up to your knees while pulling your elbows in
• Hold for two seconds, then relax and lower back to start
• Repeat for two sets of 10 to 12 reps
Floor Leg Lifts
Floor leg lifts, which should be done as often as possible, starts with you lying down on the ground. You should be on your back and rest your arms at your sides. Then, lift your legs 6 to 10 inches off the ground and tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold them in this position for as long as you can and then lower the legs to the ground. Make sure your abs or back muscles don’t hurt while doing this exercise. If they do, take a break. You should not be straining your body in any way after surgery.
Walking
Everyone knows walking is important. After you have a tummy tuck, walking will continue to be an important factor of your new lifestyle. Three weeks after your operation, begin taking light 10-minute walks. The goal is not to get your heart rate up—it’s to get you back into a workout groove. Four weeks post-surgery, you can increase your walk time by 20 to 30 minutes. During week five, try a low impact but higher intensity routine. After six weeks you can gradually build up to the same routine you had prior to surgery.
Exercises to Avoid
Ask Dr. Moraitis about which exercises you should avoid post-surgery as well. He will make recommendations according to the type of tummy tuck he has performed.
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