A little sunshine from my Garden

I thought I'd post something positive and happy.

Here's a photo of flowers from my garden:

September 17: Diastasis Recti Update

Well, it has been a rough week.  My neck went into a spasm and it hurt to laugh, cough, hold my LO etc.  Then I felt better and I did some gardening and it was worse.  Oh well.

I am still feeling the effects of the neck spasm, but it is so much better than it was a few days ago.  Thankfully!

I had another physical therapy appointment for my Diastasis Recti and it was interesting for sure.  More exercises to do and more learning about my bodily misalignments.

I don't know if it is my imagination, but I think my stomach might actually be getting smaller.  Already?  My husband agrees.  I haven't seen too much change in my actual measurement, but my husband thinks that people have a tendency to suck it in when being measured. I am sure he is right.  My clothes are fitting differently, so I suppose I'll use that as my confirmation.  The change is subtle, but noticeable to me!

Review of Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30

This review is very overdue... Sorry for the delayed post. 

Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 is a workout DVD with 4 complete workouts.  The workouts are 4 different levels which progress in level of difficulty.  The workouts all use Jillian's 3-2-1 Interval system which mix cardio, strength and abdominal exercises for more efficient weight loss.

Each workout contains a warm-up, 3 circuits, each circuit with 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs, and finally a 2 minutes cool down. 

Equipment needed for the workout are hand weights and a mat if exercising on a hard surface.  

Each level workout has an advanced workout and a modified workout.  

Review:

The workouts themselves are quite good and I felt soreness from the workouts as soon as I started.  I liked that I was able to progress from modified through advanced at each level (one workout level per week) and then I have a new workout to challenge me for the next week.  

I think it was my fault, but my motivation was lacking for these workouts.  The workouts themselves are difficult and I definitely felt them when I actually did them.   

Results:

I think that the DVD was helpful and I was able to progress through the workouts.  I really enjoyed that fact that there were no repeats in exercises throughout the different levels, which there were in Jillian Michael's 30 Day shred.

I would do this DVD series again as I felt that it was an effective workout.

Out of 30 Days:
17 workout days
13 rest days

Not my best 30 days.  The point of this blog is to improve right? 

September 7: Diastasis Recti Update

So.. I had my second official physical therapy appointment yesterday and I am sore!  I must be working something correctly.

Karen warned me that my abdominals might be sore today and she was right.  5 minutes on a rocker board is difficult work!

She also gave me some exercises to do at home which are mostly pilates moves that I've done before.  Thankfully I have all of the equipment to make the exercises effective, a small ball, a large exercise ball, and a theraband.

I haven't measured my stomach again.  I have no allusions that this will be a quick fix.  Recovery from pregnancy will take a while.

Just a note:  I am not a medical professional and if you are suffering from diastasis recti, I really urge you to see a physical therapist if possible.  It is really nice to have someone's guidance for this condition.