Avoid Stretch Marks with Exercise

One way to avoid stretch marks is to exercise. Exercising keeps your muscles firm, and in the course of keeping your muscles firm, your skin stays firm also. Firm skin stretches naturally, devoid of stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #1

Sit Ups

Sit on the floor and with your legs straight in front, bend your knees and bring your feet flat to the floor. Slowly, lay your upper body down so your back is resting on the floor. Lower legs slightly. Put your hands behind your head and raise your upper body as far as you can manage. Do 25 sit ups per day to keep the skin taut. In addition to helping the skin, your abdomen muscles will be flatter.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #2

Crunches

Lay with your back on the floor. Pull your legs up so your knees and thighs are pressed against your chest. Slowly release legs down and straight out, and then bring them back up to your chest. Repeat this process 10-20 times, or as many as you can do. This exercise helps prevent stretch marks in the abdomen and hip area.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #3

Leg Lifts

Leg lifts are great for the hip, thigh and buttock area. Lie on one side and use your hand to support your head. Brace the other arm in front of you on the floor for additional support. Bend your knees slightly. Raise the top leg and hold for two seconds, then lower. Repeat this procedure 25 times. Then roll over and repeat for the other leg.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #4

Squats

Squats will build up your muscle tone in the thigh, hip, abdomen and buttock areas. Muscle tone in these areas will keep fat deposits from occurring, which then leads to stretch marks. Stand tall, with your feet parallel to your shoulders. Put your hands on your hips and slowly squat down, keeping your butt perpendicular to the floor. After a few of these, your thigh muscles will begin to protest. If they do too much, aim for ten a day and build up your tolerance.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #5

Push Ups

Push-ups are good for preventing stretch marks in the upper arm and breast area. Lay straight down on the floor, with your palms down on the floor. Use either your knees for balance or your feet and push up with your hands. Hold for two seconds and then lower to the floor again. If you need to build up strength in your upper body, start with ten a day and increase to 25.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #6

Walking

Walking is great for your entire body. It keeps your legs, arms and cardiovascular system in good working order. Walking also keeps the muscles and skin in your lower body firm and stretch mark free. Walking doesn’t have to be at a fast pace, just regular speed and for 20 to 30 minutes, three or four times a week.

Stretch Mark Stopper Exercise #7

Jogging

Jogging is for the more trained athletes. Jogging will work the muscles in the hips, legs and thighs a little faster. Jogging tones the skin and helps keep stretch marks away from the high prone areas. If you aren’t used to jogging but would like to start, begin slowly. Walk at a brisk pace for several weeks to build up strength and tolerance. Then try jogging for short periods of time and extend out to longer periods of time when you are comfortable.

More about Stretch Marks and Stretch Mark Treatment