Let’s say you have a goal. It could be any goal. Learning to cook, perhaps. Taking up camping. Knitting a scarf. It doesn’t really matter. The point is that you have a goal. What’s the first thing you do to achieve it?
If you’re like a lot of people, the answer is clear: buy stuff!
Then once you assemble your shiny new pots and pans, high-tech outdoors gear or organic wool yarn, your sense of satisfaction is so strong that it feels like you’ve accomplished your goal already. So you take the stuff for a test drive once or twice and then move on to your next purchase goal.
Such was the case with my goal to strengthen my post-baby belly.
I began researching postpartum abdominal workouts while still pregnant. I discovered that improper technique (“crunches”) can do more harm than good — causing further separation of the abdominal wall. After reading positive reviews, I ordered Bounce Back Fast! from BeFit-Mom. It came with a neon orange fitness band.
I was ready!
Now . . . nearly 15 months later . . . I’m giving it a try! (Oops.)
The routine focus on strengthening the transverse abdominis — also known as the corset muscle (I like the sound of that). The moves are rather subtle, so I’m surprised by how sore my muscles were this morning. (I started yesterday.)
My main goal is to strengthen my core so that I have less (no?) back and shoulder pain. A flatter stomach would be an added bonus. I’ll let you know how it goes.
What do you do for an ab/core routine? Is a postpartum workout silly this late in the game?
PLEASE NOTE: I purchased the Bounce Back Fast DVD with my own money and receive nothing if you purchase it through the link above. For my philosophy on discussing products on Angie Anew, visit my disclosure page.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I personally love kickboxing for cardio and core work. Lots of balance is needed, which strengthens to core without laying on the floor and doing crunches.
That’s a good thought! I like this core workout in that it helps to isolate deep ab muscles and shoulder/back muscles. But I’m sure other activities that involve twisting and balance are also effective. I’m planning to work in cardio/strength something after I complete the Whole 30. My aunt has Kettleworx that she said I could borrow. Maybe I’ll try kickboxing as well.
Maybe it’s similar, but the Mat Pilates class at the Y is a killer, and for the record, G is one year older than Miles, so my core is extremely weak. Apparently my weak core led to my Achilles tendon injury during the marathon. Who knew the importance of a strong core?
You’re a member of the Y? We should go together! (Says the girl who hasn’t been in a LONG time.)
And wow . . . I would have thought all that running you did would have strengthened your core automatically or something. (Would be nice, huh?) I guess the abs/back do need special attention!
I’m considering this video because I have abdominal wall separation from pregnancy. How did it work for you?
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