Mommy Abs - Rescue Exercises After Baby

by Bev Sklar (Subscribe to Bev Sklar's posts)
Nov 15th 2008 2:00PM

Abdominal crunches may be one of the worst choices for mommys looking to get their pre-mommy body back. The reason: Diastasis recti -- a separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, which affects two-thirds of moms. Two out of three moms? I had no idea.

Doing sit-ups with separated abs makes your intestines bulge up, says one pelvic floor expert over at Julie's Health Club. Two exercises to consider are traditional kegels and "tucking in" methods engaging the transversus abdominis (TVA) and oblique muscles. To tuck in, lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on floor. Pull in your belly button toward your spine, making your stomach cave in. It's a great place to hangout, I always feel skinnier in this position. Relax and breathe while holding the tuck for a minute or two. Do two sets of 10.

Be-FitMom also offers a thorough description of the condition and the Bounce Back Fast! Post Natal Core Conditioning DVD can help you get rid of that pooch.

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