Almost all of my clients at one studio are postpartum, and having never been pregnant myself, I find it difficult to understand the way their bodies feel. I understand the importance of the navel to spine connection, and stabilization, and of course what exercises NOT to do.

What I need are some new ideas for exercises and images that might help them feel like they are doing something even though they don't feel their abdominals. It would be great to have a couple of challenging exercises that might help the client (and me) from getting bored.

Obviously, transversus and pelvic floor work are so important to do right now. I also teach my clients how to do small head curls, but because of the diastasis, it is extremely important for them to keep the transversus pulled it. Since most can't feel their abs, I have them actually look at their belly button. If they see their rectus poof out, they've gone too far. Also, are you familiar with splinting? My clients really like that, it makes them feel like they are doing more.

Imagery that has worked well with my clients, esp. those who have had c-sections and don't have any feeling in their lower abs yet, is to think of kissing the hip bones together. For whatever reason, that seems to get the lower abs engaged.

Other than the abs, work their inner thighs and scap stabilizers. I'm 6 months post partum now and my inner thighs are still not where they were before I gave bith. Scap stabilizers esp. if they are nursing, I swear sometimes that feels like an upper trap exercise.

Hope that helps!

I have been on post partum excercises for quite a while now and really benefitting from it! Pilates brought a great change into my life!