How can I get rid of my belly with SPD?

[Butterpie]

OK, so, I have SPD and had a section where the scar is still tender some days (six months postnatal) I am also very very poor and my muscles did that split thing. Wearing a summer dress today, I looked pregnant. I couldn't even do a sit up if I tried, I am so unfit. I'm not massive (size 12/14), just very lazy and with various physical problems.

How can I exercise without parting my legs, doing situps, spending money, pushing the pram too much, running or having any strength to start with? Don't say ask the physio, I did, and he sent me a leaflet on back pain with some exercises involving waving my separated legs about in the air, which would be dreadful for my poor pelvis, as anyone who has had even slight SPD will know.

I have (finally) managed to get a face to face appointment next week, but he really wasn't happy about it. I only got that because the womens health physio was off sick, but that's a whole other story.

Anyway, I need to exercise, but can't think how. Any ideas?

forward stroke swimming? a bit of light weight lifting to tone arms and if you look for the right exercises they do other areas too. Maybe google armchair/sitting down exercises - I have SPD and am struggling to think of what doesn't make me sick with pain

Have you tried curl-ups instead of situps? You lie on your back with your knees up and curl your upper body up towards your knees. I find it's much easier than a situp, but still exercises the tummy muscles.

I thought that any kind of sit up was forbidden to people whose abs had split? I really wish i knew. I feel like an old woman at 25.

Swimming is a bit rubbish as I can't really swim. I can do doggy paddle for about a third of a length. Told you I'm rubbish and unfit

I am in the same situation as you Butterpie. I have slight SPD still and I am so scared of it coming back like it did in pregnancy, yet I need to get rid of my tummy before there is an embarrassing situation where someone gives up their seat for me . I have a 2 finger gap in my tummy muscles and I have been doing exercises for that to no avail.
How did you get on with the physio?

Ah but even walking in water is good for you Butterpie. Walking around in the water with your LO will be good exercise. Or hold onto the side, face down and flutter kick your legs lightly.

Don't do jogging, just walking faster than normal and preferably without pushing a pram. Wear trainers and don't do it on uneven surfaces. Take every opportunity to walk everywhere if you want to raise your general fitness.

Do upper body work eg. bicep curls using bottles or tins if you can't afford weights.

I think we've chatted before about pilates? If you don't have cash for classes, order/ borrow a book from the library and simply avoid anything which involves one leg. You'll know yourself what feels dodgy.

Hope this helps a bit.

1. Wii fit (not the hula hoops though, or the personal training/yoga)
2. Swimming with a float between your knees.
3. Take more stairs than you do now.
4. Slendertone