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Diastasis gap

How bad is my diastasis?

In a recent blog, we discussed a normal diastasis gap, a naturally occurring separation necessary for the function of the abdominal wall. Growing in our understanding of what is normal or natural before having children, can help us establish more appropriate rehabilitation and fitness expectations, programs and goals for pregnancy and pregnancy recovery (please read this […]

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Dear Diastasis Community….Can We Talk About Planks?

Planks have become a dirty word in diastasis chat rooms, forums and blogs. Blanket edicts of no more planks have emerged. But this has thrown a lot of women into a state of confusion…we can’t do crunches, and can’t do planks…what can we do? This speaks to the no-man’s land that so many women find […]

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Diastasis Recti: To Brace or Not to Brace?

This is a recent note I received from a woman with a disappointing result from a popular program that recommends braces for Diastasis Recti, a common separation of the abdominals during pregnancy that lingers for some women. If you have been around my blog or heard my social media voice, prescriptive bracing ain’t my thing. […]

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Hypopressives? I’ve Got Questions.

After the fourth Hypopressives related email, tweet and direct message came my way in one day last week, I decided it was time for a blog! I have been asked about Hypopressives both privately and through social media outlets, but unfortunately, since most of the information is in Spanish, I have had very limited success […]

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Dear Greg

Dear Greg, Thanks for a well written and thought provoking response  to my Dear Coach blog. As you noted, “not an attack”, just an opportunity for a discussion. You brought up many great points, so let’s discuss! For those listening in to our conversation, please read Dear Coach, then Dear Julie to follow along. I […]

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Dear Dr. Oz: Diastasis and (Gasp!) Crunches??

To honor all the “flat belly” New Years resolutions out there, I thought I would post a letter I wrote to Dr. Oz a few years ago. It is a cautionary tale that still applies today: Diastasis and crunches do not mix! I have updated the letter a little with some links to other blogs and […]

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Core Conversations: The Anticipatory vs Reactive Core

Our current definition of the Core is well…ill-defined. I know I have beaten this drum before, but in magazine articles, blogs, internet resources, even research articles, different muscles are included in the “Core” depending on who you read. I even hesitate to use the word because it means something different to each rehab practitioner, and fitness professional (or client) I talk with. Each of us thinks we are doing “Core” work with our patients and clients, but how can we be sure if our starting definitions are so vastly different.

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5 Things You Should Know About Your Core Exercise Program

Each evening after I put my kids to bed, I spend time searching the web for research, articles and blogs pertinent to women’s health and fitness. As my kids drift peacefully off to dreamland, I get more and more agitated at the misinformation that is being promoted on the web, particularly as it relates to […]

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Why Don’t Crunches Work?

Crunches are a mom’s go-to exercise to try to get her belly back. But no matter how many she does or how hard she tries they simply don’t get the job done. A flat belly seems elusive. This mommy mystery is usually chalked up to stretched–out muscles, laziness (arrgh-never call a mom lazy), or just […]

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How Strong is Your After-Baby Core?

These days books, DVD’s, and gyms all promote Core strengthening programs. But despite a mom’s best efforts, her Core may not actually be playing along due to the lingering changes brought on by pregnancy (even pregnancies from long ago). Find out if your Core can pass our quiz. 1. Does your belly pooch out while […]

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