Are you tired of constantly looking pregnant? Do you miss the days when your stomach was a smooth, toned surface instead of resembling an uncooked bread dough? Fear not, for the solution to your problem lies in understanding what abdominal diastasis is and how to get rid of it.
Understanding Diastasis Recti
Abdominal diastasis, also known as diastasis recti, is a common condition that occurs primarily among women during pregnancy or after childbirth. It involves the separation of muscles along the midline of the abdomen (the linea alba) which results from stretching and weakening caused by hormonal changes linked with pregnancy.
With this muscle separation comes abdominal weakness and possibly an increased likelihood of experiencing lower back pain. Additionally, some individuals may suffer from urinary incontinence - if only we could have really worn diapers as adults!
Symptoms You Can Identify
So how can one identify whether they have abdominal diastasis or simply need some extra gym sessions?
A significant symptom that commonly presents itself is having a protruding tummy despite good posture – no matter how hard you suck it in! Does your partner slide their hand on your belly after dinner asking "so when are we expecting?" Then there's most likely some level of muscle separation present - unless they are just thirsty 😉
Patients might notice a gap between their six-pack muscles -oh wait maybe lack thereof?- around 2 to 3 fingers' width apart roughly above or below the navel area.
Moreover, those who experience pelvic floor dysfunction such as vaginal prolapse may be at higher risk since all these issues tend to share related contributing factors such as hormonal fluctuations (blame mother nature) which result in high intraabdominal pressure pushing through weakened surfaces exacerbating symptoms even further like opening Pandora's Box.
It's important to know that even if you've never been pregnant, diastasis recti can still occur. Some causes (apart from pregnancy) include:
- Obesity
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Inappropriate heavy lifting / overexertion let's be honest - the dumbest ways where we flex on insta? Not worth it
- Poor posture (we all love to slouch)
- Age-related weakening of muscles (like anything else that goes straight into the trash bin when aging)
How Can You Say Goodbye To Diastasis For Good
First things first, do not fret! While abdominal separation may seem alarming when diagnosed, there’s good news: research has determined several actions and specific exercises that can effectively help Tone Up.
Exercises for Reducing Abdominal Separation
The following movements are designed to activate certain muscles in your abdomen & pelvic area as well as dense connective tissues within your inner unit focused primarily towards strengthening so let's dive right in -
Pelvic Tilt Exercise
Lie down flat on your back with feet hip-width apart and knees bent while ensuring comfiness using a pillow if necessary. Pressing down against a yoga mat/matress/whatever you wanna lie upon, slowly shift your hips upward by contracting your buttock muscles bringing glutes off the ground followed by pulling abdominals below belly button region tightening them throughout this movement till done squeezing behind those pesky stretch marks! Bend head chin touching chest not aggressively either please. Perform 10 Controlled repetitions daily.
Side Plank Walk-Up
Begin in push-up position onto Forearms vertically aligned under shoulders. Set legs wide apart which makes it easier maintaining balance throughout this exercise positioning elbow joints in parallel direction provides added support for both wrists avoiding any unwanted injury around regions targeting Abs obliques lower-back among List. Then sway sideways transferring entire bodyweight towards an Arm engaging those obliques stabilising creating tension gradually holding steady form forty to fifty seconds during each side.
Quadruped Opposite Arm and Leg Lift
Position yourself onto your fours (arms and knees) gaze towards the ground. Raise left arm with right leg simultaneously straightening them, hovering elbows and knees fixed without hyperextending until at shoulder height while starting counting couple of numbers before lowering down performing same movement on opposite sides till you target both abs lower-back muscles alternatively approximately 5-10 reps per side this one is my favourite by far 🐒
Adopting A Healthier Lifestyle
While exercise plays a vital role in strengthening abdominal muscles, it's not the only tool that helps one decrease diastasis recti symptoms. These lifestyle changes should aid in reducing excessive intra-abdominal pressure:
- Watch your diet - avoid consume anything spicy provoking acid reflux as well identify allergies aggravating symptoms; acidic foods beverages can worsen heartburn.
- Avoid constipation for keeping pelvic floor relaxed & healthy bowel movements.
- Decrease aerobic activity minimizing Runners diarrhea ab exercises jogging jostles internal organs hamstring muscle pulls leading increased abdominal pressure for worsening symptoms surrounding tissues all inter-connected together in some way or other scientific research proves so.
- Wear comfortable underwear avoiding Baggy Trousers restricting blood circulation around abdomen region
- Finally get enough sleep to reduce stress levels over consecutive years since Stress actually worsens symptoms peripheral body fat distribution being closely linked!
The takeaway: don't be afraid to laugh through these exercises! It might help with toning Them!
In conclusion, if you are experiencing abdominal separation after pregnancy or even if prenatal plans aren’t quite in place yet; Remember This: You're Not Alone!. With regular exercising targeting inside body Core Walls will give gradual positive results when kept consistent as we all endeavor becoming our own "abs-olute" cutest versions!.
Remember - these exercises might sound daunting at first. But it's essential to remember that with consistency, dedication, and motivation, you can say goodbye to diastasis recti once and for all.