A bit of an update: Diastasis Recti

Well, it's been a while since I last posted.  I am post baby and trying to get my body back.  My abdominals are definitely recovering a bit faster than it did with my first baby which is a good thing.  If only I could have the time to exercise regularly, but with two kids it's been a challenge.  Maybe when I figure out how to do it, I'll let you know.

The thing that I have found to be working is doing my diastasis recti exercises while breastfeeding.  That has seemed to help.

I checked my diastasis today and it appears by just being more conscious when I lift the babies that it's closing the gap!  It seems like I have a two cm gap instead of a 3 or 4.  The thought I have when lifting is tightening the corset.  Imagine bringing both sides together and bringing the pelvic floor up.  It's working for me, but if you need help, always consult a physical therapist or doctor.  

Update

My baby has arrived and I meant to write these reviews of the prenatal bellydance videos that I tested.   The videos were both very different.

One Belly Dance Prenatal Fitness and dance instruction program with Naia was fast paced and not much instruction to be honest.  I thought it was a good DVD but might be difficult for those who had never done belly dance before.

Goddess Dance Prenatal Bellydance and Meditation with Sera Solstice was more instructional and not as fast paced.  I found it to be very relaxing and it felt good to do in my once pregnant body.  I enjoyed the meditation but some people might think it's a bit too out there for them, to each their own.

Update

I've failed to update in a while.  A lot has happened.

I finished my 6 week challenge through my Wii Active More Workouts game. I only went over six weeks by two days.  Much better than my last attempt.  I am nearly 30 weeks in my pregnancy and I was glad to finish the workouts.

I've been taking prenatal yoga classes for a month and a half. I think it's really helping me. It's been nice to have some time with women that are going through the same aches and pains and emotions as I am. Also it feels good to have some time to focus on this pregnancy because I've been consumed with chasing after my active toddler.

I've tried to get Amira's pregnancy workout DVD to work with 2 different DVDs and both have failed to work in my DVD player. :(. The reviews are good. I just want to do the workout which has moves for use during labor. I suppose I'll have to buy a different DVD.

That's what's happening with me.

So.... An Update

I have some news.  Well, I am pregnant again and I still have my diastasis recti.  I was able to see my physical therapist upon recommendation of my OB.  My physical therapist said that my diastasis has improved.  Sometimes you can't be sure if you are doing well with exercises that a physical therapist prescribes.  It's nice to hear positive feedback.

I had the embarrassing realization that I took too long on my 6 week challenge with my Wii Active More Workouts game and it said I had to start again.  So I did.  I am on week 2.  :)

One year Anniversay Recap

It's officially been one year since I started this blog.  Looking back at what I've accomplished, I have to be honest that I am a bit disappointed that I seem to be in the exact same place I was when I started.

But to be fair, I will recap what I have accomplished this past year.

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred
Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30
Butt Bible
Zumba Fitness For Wii
Beach Body Bootcamp
Wii Active More Workouts

It's not a terribly small list, but it could be better.

Reflecting on the past year, I was feeling down for not getting back into shape after having my son.  I was on a good run of being more fit when I was following the 30 day shred, Ripped and 30, and the Butt Bible.  My husband could tell the difference in my body and posture after the Butt Bible after 2 weeks.  I was really pleased with the results.  I noticed that although I was back to my original weight, my stomach was decidedly not back to normal.  I read some articles online and watched a YouTube video about self diagnosing Diastasis Recti.  I did in fact have the condition.  Apparently, 80% of all pregnant women develop this and your OB should be checking during your pregnancy, which mine did not at the time.  I suspect that because I had a large hematoma in my recti sheath that my abdominals were not able to heal together.  When I figured out about my Diastasis Recti, I felt really let down and it kind of blew the steam out of me for my fitness.  My physical therapist recommended that I stop my weight training and just focus on the exercises that would help to strengthen my abdominals.  After a while though, I was feeling a bit weak and lethargic.  So, I had to start again.

The coming year will be challenging and I hope to be more consistent in my exercising.  Again, more resolutions.  I do hope I can stick to it this time.  Here's hoping!

Falling off the Health wagon

Well, I am still around thinking about my fitness, but not doing too much.  I have yet to finish the 6 week challenge on my Wii Active More Workouts game.  I'm 5 workouts shy of finishing.  Hopefully I will finish soon, but that would require me to actually workout.

Getting sick twice during this challenge has really kicked me off.  I got sick on Christmas night.  It's been a long lasting sickness, but I am feeling better now.