There was a time when I didn’t feel pain and was active everyday.  I may not have been the ideal weight, according to physical charts, but I was in excellent shape.

I often think back and reminisce about the endurance and agility I once possessed.  In Jr High I was in track, in High school it was drill team and softball.  After High School it was Martial Arts.  I was actually in excellent shape, but always beat myself down thinking otherwise.

Do you know what I miss the most? …my flat tummy.  Before baby number one was born my tummy and I had a heart to heart.  It was like I subconsciously knew – it was goodbye.  Fast forward almost 16 years and 6 babies later I still think about that flat tummy.

You know I almost lost all the weight once before (not in the most healthy way) and my tummy in all its “Baby Belly” glory was still there.

If I could go back in time, I would have told myself to lighten up, give yourself a break.  Just start a regular exercise regiment and stick to it.  Get outside and run, take a walk up the hills, play some volley ball with your friends, go swimming, do all the things that you love to do.  Oh and don’t slide into third base so late or you’ll feel that pain forever.

Back to the belly, knowing I’m not the only one that would really like to tone that area, here is a special treat for you my friends.  I asked the folks at BRICK Sport Performance in West Hollywood for a work out that would target the “baby belly” area.  Owner and Celebrity Crossfit Trainer JP was happy to oblige and created the following Crossfit workout.  Here is the work out in his words:

These core-toning moves along with a healthy diet and dose of cardio will help melt the fat away in the torso area that was left behind by those baby bundles of joy.

1. V Ups – Laying on the floor on your back you will attempt to clam shell style close up and touch your hands to your toes. Starting position is with your hands close together reaching all the way behind you and legs fully extended and flat to the floor. Breaking at the hip and tightening the stomach sandwiching yourself together is the key to this move. It does require a little balance and rhythm so be patient with your first few sets as your body and central nervous system adapt to this move. A great move to do alongside this would be floor based superman’s laying on your stomach. Virtually the exact same move except face down and lifting your hands and feet off the ground at the same time. Recommended 5 sets of 20 – 30.

2. Tuck Jumps – Standing in place you will squat down and keeping weight in the mid food use explosive leg drive power to jump yourself off the floor while trying to tuck both knees up into your chest. Touch your hands to the tops of your knees and be sure to land softly on the balls of your feet to absorb the impact. Doing these on a yoga mat is best for safety and comfort. Doing this move coupled with any of the above is also a great way to increase the stimulus and results. Recommended 8 sets of 15 – 30 depending on fitness levels.

3. Russian Twist – Sitting on the floor with your knees slightly bent and heels just off the floor try to touch the floor on each side of your hips while rotating left and right. Use your legs to counted balance you. This move is great to add weighted object in your hands to intensify the move. Remember to take small breathes and twist your body while touching the floor. Using the same yoga mat as tuck jumps under your tush will prevent tail bone discomfort. Coupling this move with any of the above will increase the results wanted. Recommended – 5 sets of 20 – 30.

Remember to have fun, be safe and stay HYDRATED!!! JP - www.brickcrossfit.com

Thank you JP!