Whenever someone is told they need to strengthen their core the first thing they think of is sit ups, crunches and planks.
If you suffer with a prolapse, lower back pain, diastasis recti (abdominal separation) or stress or urge incontinence then these very common core exercises are probably the last thing you want to be doing so and here is why.
Ab crunches and sit ups put an immense amount of pressure into the abdominal cavity, onto the lower back and into the neck and shoulders so if you suffer with any of the above then its time to train smart and adapt your core workout and avoid these exercises until you have worked on reducing abdominal pressure and learning how to strengthen the foundations of the core.
Planks are an advanced exercise and would not be a first port of call for us to give to one of our clients just starting out, especially if suffering with any of the above again. Its very intense on your back, shoulders and neck and something to progress too.
There are loads of functional exercises that work your core, a lot of these are Pilates based but there are so many other ways to work your core whilst looking after your pelvic health and are prolapse friendly.
We are all individuals, we put together a unique tailored exercise plan for each one to one client because we all have different things going on so sometimes need a different approach. We help men and women strengthen their core in a way that suits them.
Please see our video on YouTube for some pelvic floor and prolapse friendly exercises
