Confused about abs / core exercises

[Autumnalleaves]

I've just had an umbilical hernia repair and the surgeon told me to get going on some Pilates or similar once I've recovered, to build up my tummy muscles. I have an OK level of general fitness (run 5k twice a week, swim once a week) but haven't done anything with my tummy since having the DC, partly because I'm scared of making it worse, having read up a bit on the separation of abdominal muscles in pregnancy (diastasis recti?) and am lazy and my tummy is fairly flatish normally

I'm a bit confused about the different classes on offer though. Is an 'abs' class the same thing as a 'core' class? The local leisure centre has an abs group exercise session and a core group session, so I imagine they are different? Is Pilates abs or core or both?

Anyone been through anything similar and got any advice? Really don't want to make it worse!

[Summerdiamond]

Pilates might b best for you, it works but is gentle

[SophieLion]

I had diastasis recti (and still not fully closed). If you have this then you have to be really careful with the exercises you can do. So many things make diastasis recti worse (inc many of the Pilates moves). I have had to learn what I can and can't do and how to hold in my transverse muscle while I am exercising.

I didn't really understand from your post if you are free to do any type of ab/core exercises or whether you have to be careful because of your surgery

[Autumnalleaves]

Thanks for replying. I am not sure I officially have diastasis recti or not - there did seem to be a gap between my tummy muscles when I tensed them, but no one has officially diagnosed anything. I've also only seen the surgeon a few hours after the op, so not sure exactly what he thinks I need to strengthen - I'll ask him at the follow up appointment in 3 weeks - but wanted to do a bit of research in advance to see what kind of classes were out there and understand what the options might be.

[sleepwhenidie]

Core would encompass both your tummy muscles and also your back, both important - many people focus on the abs/stomach for aesthetic reasons but neglect their back. Pilates or a core class will strengthen both.

[Autumnalleaves]

Sleep: I am entirely unbothered by having a six pack, just want to strengthen the muscles to prevent ever needing a hernia op again! So I'd only do an abs class if that was the right thing to do.

Inandout - that's interesting you ran after 4 weeks - I'm wondering when I'll feel up to it (definitely not now, 4 days after the op). Did you do any abdominal strength work after the op? How do you feel now, a year on? I am still numb round the scar but am hoping that will go away - did yours?

[crappyday]

I used to go to Pilates run by a phisiotherapist. She was great for people who had had surgery/ problems, as she could advise exactly which exercise they shouldn't do, and could offer alternatives.
Maybe see if you have any classes like that local to you?

[shirkingworking]

Gosh, be careful! You should go to see a physio before exercising... I have diastasis recti and a small hernia and am considering having it operated on/fixed. Baby 3 is now 1. I have seen a pbysio and have very specific exercises to do to strengthen the transverse abdominal muscle and absolutely cannot do cruchies etc. Have a look at the "mutu" system too. You don't have to sign up but it was some good advice there. I think I'll be in the exactly the same boat as you in a few months. Maybe if you don't have DR my dire words of warning are not appropriate! But crunchies etc could make it worse.

[Autumnalleaves]

Thanks all. Shirking - don't worry, I'm not doing anything at the moment, and started the thread because I'm worried about doing more harm than good by exercising in the wrong way. Had a quick look at the MuTu website - looks interesting, thank you.

Can you get referred to a physio on the NHS for this kind of thing, or is it something you pay for?

[shirkingworking]

Yes, you can get referred on then nhs. Tell the gp you think you have DR and want to minimise the chance of the hernia popping out again. Good luck!