Those of you who are mums will know the pain of trying to get back into shape post pregnancy. Lyndon Littlefair’s program Yummy Tummies specialises in getting women a flat stomach after giving birth in a realistic and achievable way
Are you doing endless sit-ups and crunches and finding it makes no difference to your stomach muscles? Here’s why. ‘Doing crunches everyday and not varying your workout will result in a blocky stomach because you are working the same muscles over and over again,’ says Lyndon Littlefair, a personal trainer specialising in abdominal and core strength. Littlefair is trainer to celebrities such as Lisa Snowden and also the creator of Yummy Tummies, an exclusive diet and exercise programme designed to get new mothers back into shape.
Doing crunches everyday and not varying your workout will result in a blocky stomach
‘When doing core exercises, most people focus too much on external abdominals rather then internal ones,’ says Littlefair. ‘Lyndon’s program targets the the deep abdominals using exercises such as planks, where you pull the stomach in rather than pushing it out as well as rotations which work the smaller muscles at the sides of the tummy and the waistline. Lyndon moves vary widely in order to target all the tiny muscles that make up the abdominal core, which also includes strengthening the lower back.
No exercise help for new mums
Doing the right tummy exercises is even more important post-baby.
The idea for Yummy Tummies sprang from Lyndon’s personal experience, after his wife gave birth six years ago. The hospital only gave her one sheet of paper containing some basic information on how to get a flat stomach and two recommended exercises.
‘But as you can probably imagine it takes more than just two exercises and some basic information to get a strong core,’ he says. Yummy Tummies is a 16 week abdominal conditioning program that brings the abdominals back into shape after giving birth and and makes the entire body stronger.
I think that abs that are probably shown in the kitchen and made in the gym
How Yummy Tummies works:
This 16 week program can be downloaded in form of an e-book and is all done at home. In 16 weeks you’ll get a flatter stomach and get stronger. The training program doesn’t require a lot of equipment and exercises are done two to three times a week. They’re broken up into 10 minute intervals because someone who has just given birth is most likely tired and won’t be able to do a full 30 minutes workout session. There are six different stages, each of which lasts for two weeks. Whilst on the program you will get weekly moral support and access to a private forum where you can ask questions. You will also have access to Lyndon Littlefair himself to ask questions and get advice.
What about diet?
Everyone has abs, but whether you see them or not depends on your fat content. You can have incredibly strong abs but they are covered by a layer of body fat. ‘I think that abs that are probably made in the kitchen and shown in the gym,’ Lyndon says. There is no one right diet for everyone, he believes and people need different things – one person might need more protein another more fat. But as a general guideline Lyndon advocates clean eating, meaning no processed foods, gluten or trans fats and lean protein and vegetables at every meal.
Try Lyndon’s training for free with Healthista’s home video ab challenge
Get a free taste of Lyndon’s work with Healthista’s 30 day ab challenge, a series of free exercises videos being uploaded throughout April designed to fire up your abdominal muscles. You can start from Day 1 and work your way through to Day 30.
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 1
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 2
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 3
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 4
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 5
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 6
30 Day ab Challenge video – Day 7
30 Day ab challenge video – Day 8
30 Day ab challenge video – Day 9
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 10
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 11
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 12
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 13
30 Day Ab Challenge video – Day 14
Lyndon Littlefair brings a wealth of applied knowledge from his 20 years in the Fitness and Wellness industry. He helps people to become more aware of their bodies in order for them to move better, feel better and perform better. As the creator of Yummy Tummies his role is to get new mums back in shape safely and effectively.
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