Friday, June 7, 2013

Healthy Habits: Tips from the Dia Method to Firm Abs

While most women reside to the fact that their body will never be the same again post-baby, a new exercise regimen has emerged that proves it’s never too late to bounce back to your pre-baby body, no matter if it has been five months or five years. Requiring at minimum just 10 minutes a day, The Dia Method provides small steps every mom can incorporate into her daily routine to help restore her core.
 

Endorsed by obstetricians, midwives, doulas and physical therapists worldwide, The Dia Method is a new approach to fitness that specifically targets the infamous post-pregnancy pooch and has proven measurable results with women of all body types. Founder and pre/postnatal fitness expert, Leah Keller, has developed simple suggestions to get started at home:
1. Tighten the abdominal muscles toward the spine every time you lift your baby, push open a heavy door, or perform any other physical exertion. Doing so will help restore fit and healthy abs as you move throughout the day. This simple technique also protects your back and strengthens your pelvic floor due to a synergistic co-contraction of deep core muscles.

2. Think “sexy” every time you lie down or get up. Sitting straight up and lying straight back places excessive pressure on the abdominal wall, pushing the muscles apart and widening your waistline. To avoid this, always roll to the side when getting up or lying down.

3. Avoid front and center vertically aligned baby carriers. These carriers place the weight of the baby along your midline, stressing the connective tissue that stretched during the pregnancy, widening your waist and pushing abdominal muscles further apart. If your life demands a front-loading baby carrier, choose one that orients the baby diagonally or consider wearing a corset underneath to mitigate stress on the abdominal wall. (Personal note - I found slings and back packs more comfortable anyway!)

If you're interested in learning more about the Dia Method, check out the video below.

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