07/20/2026
This is called a curl-up (think of it like a mini sit-up)... but how you do it matters.
Here's exactly what I'm doing:
1️⃣ I lie on my back with my knees bent.
2️⃣ I breathe into my ribs (not my belly).
3️⃣ I slowly exhale before I start to lift.
4️⃣ As I continue exhaling, I slowly lift my head and maybe my shoulders off the pillow, but only as high as I can while keeping control of the pressure.
5️⃣ I'm watching the area just above my belly button the entire time. That's where my diastasis is most vulnerable.
6️⃣ If I see that area bulge or dome, I stop and reduce my range of motion until I can keep the pressure under control.
Why does this matter?
That bulge is your body telling you the pressure inside your abdomen is pushing into the weakest part of your core instead of being managed by your entire core.
If you keep repeating that pattern over and over, you're teaching your body to rely on a strategy that isn't supporting your core well. Over time, that can make your diastasis harder to improve and contribute to the "mummy tummy" or "still look pregnant" look so many moms are trying to get rid of.
Instead, choose a version of the exercise where you can keep the pressure under control. As your core gets stronger, you'll gradually be able to lift higher without the bulge. THAT my friend is how we flatten our tummy and get rid of those funny post-pregnancy bulges we want to get rid of.
That's why I always say, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."
You might be strong enough to do the harder version, but if you're just reinforcing a strategy that doesn't give you the results you want, then why?
Save this for the next time you're in bed and want some core action 😎
