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I Had Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Do You?

I Had Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Do You?

Six-pack. Washboard abs. Strong core.These are all terms that are often used when training the abdominals. And it is often one of the first places people look to address when they start on a fitness training program!But there's another term that has to do with abdominal training that gets talked about less frequently, yet affects quite a number of people.What is this, you may ask? A condition known as diastasis recti abdominis (DRA)!Did you know that about 66% of mommas have had DRA (1)? Personally, diastasis recti was mentioned to me by my wonderful mother as something to watch out for during pregnancy.  But I figured it would just resolve itself after the pregnancy, and my body would be back to where it was. As a physiotherapist, my mom used to give prenatal classes, so I had genetic connections! However, most women have never had anyone educate them on DRA. Add to that the fact that the topic of rehab, or diastasis recti recovery, or any of the other common post-pregnancy issues are all things rarely ever mentioned.SO WHAT IS DIASTASIS RECTI?[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="329"] Notice the line running vertical between the left and right abs? That's the linea alba.DRA, quite simply, has to do with the abs. And it doesn't matter whether you have a six pack (like Ryan up above) or are closer to a full keg, we all have the same muscles. Only the level of leanness and strength varies amongst all of us.So, dear mom, although not everyone's abs look like Ryan's, we all do have them! But let's focus, he's purely here for educational purposes. Those ab muscles are actually called your Rectus Abdominis, and are the outermost layer of your core. So, although you could probbaly see Ryan's his six pack (this is the rectus abdominis) through a down...

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