This season is filled with delicious temptations.
You might be consuming a bit more than usual, or enjoying some hearty meals. There’s no need to feel guilty about indulging; it is the festive season, after all. However, your body might respond with uncomfortable abdominal swelling and gas.
Even if you’re at home with your loved ones and don’t have access to your usual gym, there are exercises you can perform to alleviate the swelling and return to your normal state. Furthermore, a bit of physical activity can help counterbalance the rich foods, helping you maintain the body you’ve been proud of throughout the rest of the year.
Start with a Cardio Warm Up
The initial step when dealing with swelling is to start moving. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk or a quick bicycle ride. Aim for at least 10 minutes of any form of cardiovascular exercise. Jumping jacks, stationary jogging, or skipping rope are excellent options if you are indoors or have limited space. Cardio can also assist in releasing accumulated gas from your system, so don’t hesitate to let out a little natural sound.
Work on Strengthening the Core
Given that abdominal swelling and gas primarily affect the stomach area, one of the most effective ways to combat these symptoms is to focus on core strength. After the cardio warm-up, engage in core exercises like:
Sit-ups x 12 repetitions
Crunches x 12 repetitions
Plank x 30 seconds
Bicycle Crunches x 12 repetitions
After performing these exercises, unwind with some gentle yoga poses. Twists are particularly beneficial for reducing bloating! In just 20 minutes, you should feel a significant improvement!
