Q: Hi Tanja, I’m 36 and had a child four years ago. My stomach is less than toned now than two years ago and I’m a thin, petite person. Besides yoga, hiking, and jogging (once a week) and cardio videos, what would you recommend? I am aware that diet has its positive health benefits, too. Thanks.
– Heather
A: Dear Heather, Thank you for your question! Congratulations on being a healthy mom!! For many, there is always a little stretchy skin that remains after having a baby but, that said, everyone is different when it comes to the elasticity of the skin.
I think strength training could be a great new thing for you to explore, and with that a lot of core and abdominal work based on Pilates. In this way you will strengthen the abdominal structures from the inside out, so to speak. Balance Ball ab work is great for that (click the video preview link for my 8 Minute Ball Workout). Also, Ana Caban has great Pilates DVDs through Gaiam!!
Of course, diet as you know is crucial here!! If you want tips on how to recharge and restructure, refer to my 10-Week Transformation here on the blog! It might help you on the way. 
Best,
Tanja
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The core is an essential part of your physical strength and stability. You can also consider it to be the essence of the inner you, the place where you build inner strength and create the energy you use. This Powerhouse or Cradle is the initiator of any physical event your muscles experience or express. The muscles involved here are the ones that support the back and access the deeper abdominals, not just the six pack. A basketball player who has good core control can jump higher, shoot farther, and run faster. The same theory holds true for any sport.
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