Lose the Mommy Tummy and Heal Your Diastasis Recti

(Over the weekend I took a workshop on Diastasis Recti with Sarah Faller at Bend and Blossom. Sarah is a Certified Pilates Instructor and for the last decade has been the Pilates Wellness Coordinator for the Hospital for Special Surgery. She was a huge wealth of information.)

I am a new mom myself with an eight month old baby girl. I know how much hard work it takes to get your old self back.

So let me share my Pilates secrets with you and you will be back to your pre-preggo jeans in no time….

During pregnancy your abdominals separate  from growing a human.

After birth they may not go back together 100% and cause Diastasis Recti.

Now your belly (even months after having your baby) might feel like a pooch.

This separation might sound scary, but with simple exercises (like we do in Pilates Barre class) it can be healed.

source 

You do not have to do hours of cardio on the boring treadmill and there is one exercise that should be avoided at all cost.

Guess what it is?

CRUNCHES!

Crunching will only make your mommy tummy worse!

So how do we fix it?

You have to begin with strengthening your intrinsic muscles with very simple exercises. They are so simple that you might think its too good to be true.

These exercises tone your deepest part of your core call your transverse abdominal.

Here’s a list of 5 things you can do to improve your  Diastasis Recti (with no surgery!)

1. Start early post partum to connect back to your core muscles.

2. Be aware of your posture.

3. Practice proper form while lifting and holding your baby.

4. Avoid crunches!!

5. Get your booty to a Pilates professional to learn about engaging your TA (not tits and ass, Transverse Abdominis silly)

Of course, remember to give yourself time after a pregnancy. Be kind to yourself and know that you will be back to your old self soon.

Here is a link to one of Sarah's video to learn more as well!

Got questions? Feel free to ask me. 

See you at the barre!
Jaime

Top 5 Pilates Barre Class Concerns and Myths

I often forget that Pilates and ballet is the world I have lived in for a long time.
I have spent almost my whole life in rehearsals, taking class, or working at a studio.
I forget how scary and intimidating it can be to try something new and I hear what you ladies are saying when this can sometimes be a little overwhelming!

I have heard these 5 concerns a lot lately from my clients. (Thank you for your feedback!)
While they are all very real concerns, don't let them hold you back from trying something new.

Here are the top 5 myths about Pilates barre class and how I can help you:

"I'm not flexible enough!"
That's ok!
Good news is that 95% of the class you don't need to be flexible to do the moves! The other small percentage of the class we will improve your flexibility and that is where I am here to help you! It is something new to your body and it will only get better over time. And your body will LOVE it. Baby steps.

"I'm not in good shape."
Again, that is ok! You are in better shape then you realize and your body is amazingly strong and adaptive.
After you step in the door and do one workout you will be feeling the results and see it very soon after.

"I'm too young, old, short, tall, yada yada yada."
Barre class is for all ages and body types. Ballerinas aren't the only ones who do this workout. We have clients of a wide range of clients. I can always help you find a class time that is idea for you and your goals!

"I have never done ballet or Pilates before. "
Most of my clients are completely new to ballet and Pilates! We don't prance or frolic around the room. (unless you want to, sometimes I do throw it into a class if requested :) Think of the instructors as your guide to the studio and to the class. Our small class size is designed that way so we can hold your hand and make you feel right at home here.

"I don't know what to wear. Do you wear ballet clothes?"
You can wear anything comfortable to workout in to class! Some people like to wear toe sox with leggings and a tank top. We don't wear leotards or tutus but I'm never against having a little fun in class!

We have added a Pilates Barre Love 101 class to the schedule on February 15th at 930am.
This class is designed for beginners and what an amazing gift to give to yourself and a friend!
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Share this gift with a friend and take a class together and you will both receive $5 of your first drop-in class with promo code love101.

Can't wait to share this amazing class with you!

It's that simple people!

I love this captivating, informative, and creative video narrated by Michael Pollan.

What I learned from this video, "Eat anything you want, just cook it yourself."

A possible fix to all your dieting dilemmas?

5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Resolutions On Track

Are we all sick of talking about New Year's resolutions by now?

I'm sure all of your heads are nodding yes.

I'm keeping it simple and light this year, because the last thing I need (or anyone needs!) is more stress.

So here are 5 simple tips to keep your New Year's resolutions on track.

1. Plan them out and write it down. Ask yourself,  "What can I realistically achieve at this point in my life?"  Then write it down and check back in each week or month. My simple goal is to plan out 3 dinners for the week. Every Sunday I write them down and then order my groceries from  Door To Door Organics.  I usually plan a roast chicken, chicken soup, burgers, and veggie pasta which are simple dishes that allow plenty of leftovers.
2. Share your goals with a friend. This is scary but it helps hold you accountable and on track with your goals. I shared my professional goals with a good friend and find it inspiring and helpful. I also want to be able to do this on the reformer because it looks really cool :)
   
3. KISS. Keep it simple stupid. Maybe your goal is to try a new recipe a month, take a new fitness class, drink lemon water everyday or try oil pulling. Some of the small things are easy to achieve and it is instant gratification!
4. No worries man. Seriously stress is a killer, don't worry if you slip up. Be patient with yourself!
5. Eat chocolate and drink wine everyday. What that's not your resolution?! It's a good one though right? A small piece of dark chocolate or a small glass of red wine are both high in antioxidants and release those happy feel good endorphins! 

Get creative and have some fun! 

In good health,
Jaime