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| Baby #3 and my post-baby body |
What is it? It is a condition in which the abdominal muscles separate, left to right, allowing belly fat to protrude from between the muscles and distorting the shape of the belly. This seems to most commonly happen to women who have had babies. Many times the muscles repair themselves, but not always.
How do you know you have it? From my reading, I've found that you lay on your back, knees bent, feet on the floor, fingers from one hand on your belly button - and do a partial sit up. If you feel a gap between your muscles (some say 2.5 fingers wide or more), you most likely suffer from diastasis.
What do you do about diastasis? There are a number of websites suggesting a variety of exercises. Several of these sites warn that if you do them wrong you are likely to teach the muscles bad form and not help yourself in the end. That is not so encouraging to me. Some websites suggest a wrap. There are a variety of conflicting views about the best way to fix diastasis. The important thing is: it can be fixed.
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| Diastasis, or just belly fat? |
Why am I sharing? I had not heard of this problem until a couple of weeks ago. I'm certain there are others who are new to the topic and may benefit from learning a little bit about it. I don't want to try and hash out all of the information available here. Search Google, or Pinterest for "diastasis". You will be amazed what you find!
Have you struggled with belly fat? What is your best tip to reduce ab flab?
I've wondered for years if I had this issue. Pilates seems to help flatten and tone my belly but I still have a decided paunch. I'll have to try this test when I get home from work today.
ReplyDeleteDiastasis seems to be more common - or just more talked about. I am so glad it's fixable! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteI just started hearing about this within the past few weeks. Oh, the joys of momma tummies :)I will have to continue to research this.Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering if I have this problem. I'll tell you what, after having twins it seems as if my tummy will NEVER EVER EVER be what it was before. It's so much different than after having my first two. Not sure whether it's diastais recti or just my belly being stretched beyond all reason that the skin and muscle tone are forever messed up. I should try this test, but I have a feeling it's more just my muscle tone and skin being shot. Oh well, my babies were worth it :) Thanks for sharing with us on Wellness Wednesdays @ Intoxicatedonlife.com
ReplyDeleteI am with you....post two babies my once always flat upper tummy has gone the way of my lower tummy and is much bigger now, Something I should maybe spend more time working on
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