QuestionHello. You've helped me in the past--thank you very much for your time.
Have another question: You mention on your website performing "rib-closure
exercises" to pull the ribs back together after pregnancy. Could you possibly
mention some of these? I have your book and DVD but I'm wondering if you
have some other ideas?
I've been taking pilates with someone trained in postpartum pilates with
great results. Still have a little belly but I'm working on it. Feeling though that
my ribs really haven't come back together. Not sure if it's possible to get
them where they were, but I'd like to try. :)
Thanks again for your time,
Meghan
AnswerRib Closure Exercise for Postpartum Women:
Sit tall on the edge of a hard chair, or sturdy coffee table. Knees at a ninety degree angle, spine elongated and neutral.
Wrap the fitness band, wide, accross the back of you ribs, ends crossed in front, below your breasts.
Contract your Transverse Abdominis (TvA, abdominal bracing). With your hands, pull the band snug.
Inhale deeply, expanding the fitness band. Exhale, and pull the band even tighter as you increase the tightness of your TvA, trying to make your lower ribs as narrow as possible. The compression of the band will help your ribs move closer to your spine.
Repeat 5 times.
FYI, Pilates is all about abdominal bracing. Keep your TvA as tight as possible during every exercise.
