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Diastasis Second Opinion & a Challenge!

Since Feb/March, I have been working hard to close an 11 finger diastasis. I had to date assessed myself as currently Upper 0, Middle 1, Lower 2. I am still incorporating seated exercises and supine isometric pelvic tilts to my workout program.

Yesterday I attended a dinner for my training team at Core Expectations. Samantha checked me because I trust her assessment skills and I wanted a second opinion. She measured me as a shallow 2 all the way down. 

It interests me that 2 qualified trainers can come up with a slightly different measurement. Interestingly when I measured Sam I also came up with a slightly larger measurement than she had given herself. However when we measure a third party, we seem to have the same results.

This begs the question of whether self assessments are inclined to be on the lower side for one reason or another. Perhaps it is anxiousness with our own progress, or perhaps it is due to the physics of the self assessment and the subtle difference in hand position. Whatever the case, it is an interesting observation.

At the end of the day, 0-1-2 or a shallow 2 all the way down- it's pretty much apples and apples. I am extremely proud if my closure and strengthening of my connective tissue. I was able to clearly fit 4 full fingers in my gut only 6 months ago, and today I feel strong and structurally more intact.

I have a creative challenge to test your abdominal strength, and to remind you of all the daily activities you do that can undo your hard earned ab rehab. Try to blow up a balloon with the belly breathing technique. Rather than pushing out, on exhalation pull your naval tight to your core and inflate the balloon. Place a hand on your abdomen so you can feel if your abs come forward. Now consider how many little things like this you do in life, from peeing to blowing up a dozen balloons for your kid's birthday party. You could be widening your separation without even knowing it, so pay attention!

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