If I would have counted the number of times in the last four years that I googled something along the lines of “how to heal diastasis recti with exercise” or “exercises to avoid with separated abs” I’m guessing the number would be in the twenties or thirties. I am so excited that I’ve finally started using a program that can answer those questions, and help put me on the pathway to healing my core.
Abs, Core & Pelvic Floor is a program developed by personal trainer Natalie Hodson and Dr. Monique Middlekauff – a specialist in pelvic floor dysfunction. After looking at many different options, using some random YouTube videos, and receiving conflicting information about how best to begin to heal my core I am so happy with the comprehensive and informational program these women created. A couple weeks into the 30-day program and I find myself conscious of my posture, movement, and feeling stronger and more supported than I have for years.
My separated abdominals came as a result of my third pregnancy, the one where I gained the most weight the quickest, and carried the largest baby the longest. Eleven days past her due date my little nine pound, six ounce lady entered the world and completed our family. In addition to being the most lovely and wonderful baby (now growing into an adorable and hilarious little girl) she left her legacy on my body in the form of diastasis recti.
Diastasis Recti, or separated abs, is literally the condition when the line of tissue holding your outer abdominal layer close together stretches out, and then doesn’t recover. In my case, my body stretched out to make room for a growing baby, and was stretched just a little too far to naturally bounce back postpartum. So, even as I lost all of my baby weight, my core strength has been compromised because of this abdominal separation.
Initially, I was most concerned by how it looked. The mommy pooch that came from my abdominals not holding tightly together. Over the last couple years, however, I have become less concerned by the little pooch (although I am still hoping for a six pack one day) and more concerned by the consistent lower back pain that I have noticed as a result of my abdominal muscles not supporting my back. 
My doctor recommended surgery to stitch my abs back together, but that seemed like a really extreme and invasive decision. I have been really thrilled to feel some results, strength, and hope with Abs, Core & Pelvic Floor. The program offers not only a thirty day workout program aimed at strengthening the abs, core, and pelvic floor (ha! It is appropriately named!) It also offers chapters of information surrounding the physiology of the core, how to activate the muscles of the core safely, which exercises to avoid, some nutrition and hydration information, as well as a wonderful chapter on the power of self talk and affirmations.
While I’m sure that after four weeks my body won’t be all the way healed. This is a process and a journey to recovery and renewed strength. After just a couple weeks I notice how I am consistently conscious of my core in a way I haven’t been before. I feel more supported as my internal abdominal muscles are strengthened by this program, and I really appreciate being on the right path, having a specific set of guidelines that are based on research and experience, and knowing that I am working towards being as strong and healthy as possible.
To learn more about the program, visit Natalie’s website and check it out for yourself!
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Natalie Hodson, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #abscorepelvicfloor http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
