csawesome 181 Posted April 24, 2016 So I am still two weeks fom being able to do any strength training, but I am wondering if anyone has links or advice for core/ab exercise. I had weak abs before a couple large babies, so my abs are weak, seperated and saggy. I know with split abs they say to avoid traditional crunches but anyone know a good source of what I can do? I think strengthen my core, along with weightloss would really help my lower back pain. I am also hoping tightening those muscles will help with the side pain I get when I walk to fast. Any advice would be great. Also anyone looks at getting health insurance to pay for PT after WLS? I have some knee problems that I am gonna ask about a PT referral. But I wondering if they have a post WLS PT that shows the kind of exercises to work on the strengthen typical problem areas in obese patients. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheRealMeIsHere! 863 Posted April 25, 2016 (edited) I actually just got a script for PT. I was totally burnt out doing the treadmill and recumbant bike, as I didn't know what else wouldn't aggravate or cause damage, since I have knee, ankle and back issues. I told her that I need to learn a new exercise routine that I can follow at home to build muscle and burn calories. Only had 2 sessions so far, but am getting alot of great ideas. Edited April 25, 2016 by TheRealMeIsHere! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csawesome 181 Posted April 25, 2016 I have a check up with my PCP, I am going to ask her what she thinks. You would think it would be a fairly common thing, I mean personal trainers can help and are a great motivator, but having known a few, most gyms require little to no formal training. I want to start with someone who has had a specialized education, then once I am comfortable, I can move on to a personal trainer, or by myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OKCPirate 5,323 Posted April 25, 2016 @@csawesome - Yoga. That created the best definition for me. If you do it, take your time, enjoy the practice and try to give yourself six weeks (2-3 times a week), that it is when I really started noticing results I could be proud of. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csawesome 181 Posted April 27, 2016 I got PCP to write a referral for weekly PT to help with core muscle repair and knee help. Yahoo. It's should all be ready by the time I am 6 weeks, once a week for 52 weeks. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csawesome 181 Posted April 27, 2016 @@csawesome - Yoga. That created the best definition for me. If you do it, take your time, enjoy the practice and try to give yourself six weeks (2-3 times a week), that it is when I really started noticing results I could be proud of.I will definitely look into yoga. They have shown it is so good for your mind, body and reduces injuries. Great idea. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigViffer 3,544 Posted April 27, 2016 I'm going to second @@OKCPirate suggestion of yoga. It has really helped me with several joint issues. As for a good core exercise, I am going to recommend bodyweight squats and reverse lunges. Using no additional weights, you will use everything from your chest down in each squat/lunge. Legs, butt, abs, and back are all engaged for those exercises. You may want to look into Pilates as well, but there are some pretty strenuous abs movements and lots of planking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Christinamo7 4,042 Posted April 27, 2016 I'm a third recommendation for yoga/pilates. I have a pilates reformer and I like that machine a lot, but I do find the pilates more challenging than yoga. I really like the Peggy Cappy videos because she always has someone doing an easier version of the pose, a regular version and a challenging version, so you can grow with the program. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inner Surfer Girl 12,015 Posted April 27, 2016 Once you are cleared to get in the Water, swimming and water aerobics are great for the core. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaMergs 2,854 Posted April 27, 2016 (edited) Take a look at this website- you will find videos on tons of different exercises for all muscle groups. I linked to abs specifically for you, but if you go back to the menu under exercise guides, you will see all the different groups labled on a body- select the one you want and then there will be tons of videos to watch for proper positioning etc. http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/muscle/id/13/muscle/abdominals Edited April 27, 2016 by LisaMergs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erp 2,016 Posted April 27, 2016 Depending on the amount of separation you have, there are a lot of programs to help repair the muscle separation. http://femfusionfitness.com/safe-exercises-for-diastasis-recti/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csawesome 181 Posted April 27, 2016 Once you are cleared to get in the Water, swimming and Water aerobics are great for the core.My irrational fear of drowning (despite counciling I have had since I was a toddler) makes swimming a scary idea. I although I will kick around with a pool noodle. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Take a look at this website- you will find videos on tons of different exercises for all muscle groups. I linked to abs specifically for you, but if you go back to the menu under exercise guides, you will see all the different groups labled on a body- select the one you want and then there will be tons of videos to watch for proper positioning etc. http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/muscle/id/13/muscle/abdominals I will check it out for sure. Thanks Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csawesome 181 Posted April 27, 2016 I'm going to second @@OKCPirate suggestion of yoga. It has really helped me with several joint issues. As for a good core exercise, I am going to recommend bodyweight squats and reverse lunges. Using no additional weights, you will use everything from your chest down in each squat/lunge. Legs, butt, abs, and back are all engaged for those exercises. You may want to look into Pilates as well, but there are some pretty strenuous abs movements and lots of planking. I have always been a big fan of squats but I don't think I was doing them right because I never felt it in my abs or back. But I will ask the PT about better form to work my core too. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
csawesome 181 Posted April 27, 2016 Depending on the amount of separation you have, there are a lot of programs to help repair the muscle separation. http://femfusionfitness.com/safe-exercises-for-diastasis-recti/I can fit 6 finger across in the largest part of the gap. It's pretty significant, but I will check out the site thanks. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Indieflickers 298 Posted May 23, 2016 I second planking. I started off barely being able to hold a plank for 15 seconds and am now up to 2 minutes. After I'd been holding it for 30 seconds for a few weeks I noticed this weird bump right above my hip and got really worried that i'd herniated something. Until I realised I had one on the other side too and they were muscles! One of the best feelings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites