Having a child is a beautiful experience, but the changes that come along with it can be intimidating. One of the most significant changes is the post-pregnancy belly.

It’s normal for your tummy to stay flabby after giving birth, and it takes more than just good nutrition to bring it back to shape.

The great news is that abdominal exercises can help you lose the excess weight from your tummy and give you back the toned look. What’s even better? You don’t have to go to a gym or hire an ab trainer to achieve it.

You can comfortably do these workouts from home and bring your pre-baby body back in shape. Below are ten simple abdominal exercises that can help you achieve a flat tummy.

1. Crunches

Crunches are a perfect way of engaging your abdominal muscles. They target the rectus abdominis, and if done correctly, can bring your tummy back to shape. Lie down with your back flat on the mat. Bend your knees and place your feet on the floor.

Lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat, then lower them slowly until they rest on the mat. Perform ten repetitions, and repeat 3 to 4 sets.

2. Bicycle crunches

Bicycle crunches are ideal for toning the oblique muscles that support the abdominals. They are more effective than typical crunches in burning calories and shedding excess fat. Lie on your back and place your hands beside your head.

Bend your knees and lift your legs off the floor. Twist your torso, bringing your left elbow to touch your right knee while extending your left leg straight.

Alternate this movement by twisting your torso to the other side while straightening out the first leg and bringing the opposite elbow to your knee. Repeat the exercise for three sets of fifteen reps.

3. Leg Raise

The leg raise exercise targets your lower abs and helps to build strength and tone. Sit with your back straight and your legs extended forward while resting on your hands.

Raise your legs slowly till they form an angle of 90 degrees, then lower them slowly back to the ground. Repeat the action while stabilizing your core, and conduct three sets of eight reps for the best results.

4. Plank

Plank is a classic but effective exercise when it comes to strengthening your entire core. Get in a push-up position and drop your forearms to the ground. Straighten your body, maintaining your core in a straight line.

Hold the form for thirty seconds, take a one-minute break, and repeat twice more.

5. V-Ups

V-Ups are a fabulous way of toning the rectus abdominis and the hips. Lie flat on the floor with your arms stretched above your head. Contract your abdominal muscles and lift the upper body and your legs off the ground simultaneously.

Reach forward and touch your toes with your fingers and then lower your arms and legs back to the starting position. Repeat for 10 reps forming three sets.

6. Scissors

Scissors are a perfect way to work on your lower abs and bring them back to shape. Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and arms resting at your sides. Lift your leg off the ground, so it forms an angle of 30 degrees with your midsection.

Move your legs alternately in an up and down movement, while holding your abs tight. Conduct three sets of twelve reps.

7. Russian Twist

The Russian twists help to engage the oblique muscles effectively. Sit on the mat with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Lean backward, forming an angle of 45 degrees with the floor, making sure your core is tight.

Rotate your torso to the right, then to the left, while forming a V shape as you lift your heels off the ground simultaneously. Conduct two sets of twelve reps.

8. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are a perfect full-body exercise, which targets your abs, hamstrings, quads, and glutes. Begin in a push-up position and flex your abs, drawing one knee towards your chest and then back to the starting position.

Repeat with the other leg and continue alternating until you complete thirty reps. Conduct three sets of 30 reps.

9. Side Plank

The side plank is an effective exercise for strengthening the oblique muscles and helps to tone your core. Lie on your side with the forearm on the mat, with the elbow under your shoulder.

Tighten your core and lift your hips creating a straight line with your body. Hold the position for 30 secs and repeat for three cycles.

10. Flutter Kicks

Flutter kicks help to engage your lower abs, and they are a perfect way to tone your tummy. Lie flat on your back with your hands under your buttocks while tightening your core.

Lift both legs about an inch off the ground and alternate kicks up and down, making sure you maintain a tight core throughout the exercise. Conduct thirty reps and perform three sets.

Conclusion

Gaining excess weight during pregnancy is normal, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. By following these simple abdominal exercises, you can regain your pre-baby body and feel confident about your appearance.

Remember that consistency is key when it comes to exercising, so aim to do these exercises regularly. You can also incorporate clean and healthy eating habits for better results.