9 mos PP and abs STILL Awful (c-section) - need GREAT DVD suggestion

[mbschneider]

Hello,
It has been 9 mos since my DS was born and I am back to my pp weight and work out 4-5 x per week, including 2 days of strength training w/ abs work. I weigh 100 lbs at 5 feet tall. I was super fit prior to pregnancy and worked out throughout. Unfortunately, had an emergency c-section and since then my abs are in horrid condition. NONE of my tops fit me any longer b/c my belly sticks out so far - I look @ 4-5 months pregnant and my belly is totally out of proportion w/ the rest of my shape. My trainer says I must start to "suck it in" to activate the muscles all of the time. He says that the very deep muscles are totally stretched and I also have quite an abdominal split. I am thinking that my problem is well beyond the normal c-section - maybe it just seems that way b/c I am otherwise such a small person at just 5 feet. I am wondering if surgery is the only way to repair this. I would appreciate any thoughts, including a realistic assessment of whether I can ever be back to normal. My waist right now is @ 31 inches! Also, can you suggest some great exclusively abs DVD'S. I do everything else already so I want something that is just focused on abs to supplement. Thanks so much. MB

 

[melimcn]

Hi MBS,
Many women out here have suggested the Tupler technique for correcting a diastatis (which is what you're describing). There's a video called Maternal Fitness which may be able to help.
I've got it, and it focuses on the deep muscles and transverse. You may want to do a google on it.

I also think I've seen some women suggest that CoreMax really helped them after pregnancy. Since you're talking about supplementing some additional abs, that may be a good place to start?

 

[cyclinggirl]

Hi,

Tupler's "Lose your mummy tummy" DVD is excellent. She also has a velcro splint that she sells with it. The splint keeps your muscles together while you do the exercises & helps remind you to keep them sucked in. She recommends avoiding any lateral (side to side or crossover) moves b/c they can actually push your muscles out and create a hard pouch.

Google the title and I'm sure you'll find it...include "DVD" or you may only find the book.

Good luck!

Steph

 

[bella30]

RE: 9 mos PP and abs STILL Awful (c-section) - need GRE...

I would suggest the Core Max DVD by Cathe, of course, and Ab Ripper X by p90x. Those really helped me get my abs in shape and get rid of the 'roll' I had of excess skin. I didn't have a c-section, though, like you did. I would suggest working abs 3-4 times a week, in addition with weight training and 2-3 sessions of cardio. Do you do Pilates? That would also be helpful is strengthening your entire Core region.