Flat/firm tummy
 

I work nights, and am on my feet for more than half of my shift. What exercises can I do besides walking to help flatten and tighten my abdominal muscles at work, situps would not be something I can do at work. I do leg lifts and crunches at home, but only a couple times a week, when I am not working.

I just started doing planks about 3 weeks ago..I can only hold my planks for 5-6 seconds each time, and I only do two planks a day, but I definitely think they would help flatten and tighten up your tummy, as it's certainly working for me. I've lost 5" around my tummy and another 5" off my waist since June 1st...with the majority of those inches really starting to come off since doing the planks.

If you look at my journal, ~ Onederland ~ I just started my own little 55 day 'plank' challenge TODAY ...your welcome to try it to see if it helps you.
My goal is to do two planks a day, holding each one for 6 seconds on the first day, and then every scheduled workout day (5 x weekly) increasing that hold by one SECOND....so hopefully after 55 days, I will be able to hold my planks for a full minute :)

oh, shoot, I'm sorry...I somehow didn't see the 'sit ups' part of your post..and so it just dawned on me that 'planks' would probably not be an option.

My other thoughts would be side bends and/or twists. These would work your tummy and oblique muscles. They are usually done with hand weights but I would think you could do them without and still see some results from doing these.

when your walking around on the night shift, get into a habit of contracting and then relaxing your abdominal & tummy muscles as you walk...doing this daily can also very effective.

sorry again for my earlier reply...I guess I was reading too fast when I originally replied.

if you don't have high blood pressure and aren't pregnant

I would recommend Body Flex - it is a breathing technique and there are a few poses for abs and lower abs and you just need to be on an empty stomach to do them

Greer Childs was the woman I had on a DVD or VHS many years ago. when I used to do them every day I had a flat tummy and my tummy is not that bad now but i want to go back to them
i memorized the technique once you learn the breathing technique you are good to go

One thing I do throughout the day that helps both tummy and lower back is pelvic tilts. Tuck your tailbone up and in as much as you can, and hold for a couple of seconds. Then push it back, and hold.

Imagine doing just the lower back portion of cat and dog pose in yoga, but standing up, instead of on all fours. It's really helpful.

Another thing you can do is just engage your abdominal muscles throughout the day. In other words, suck in your gut! My husband does these and nothing else and has great abs. It helps with posture and you can do it any time so you don't need anything special. You can even do it while carrying out your duties.

This!

And don't forget to engage your abs in ALL activities. Lifting a heavy box? Use your thighs (and not your back) but also use your abs (and not your back).

cool
 

I;m going to have to try this thanks