fixing separated stomach muscles when you hate pilates

[omuwalamulungi]

I have a 13 month old so no longer have the excuse of "I just had a baby" and I'm really getting upset about my stomach. Nothing has ever toned up my middle except hundreds of sit ups and I'm afraid to do them in case my intestines pop out the gap (this may be a little irrational).

I can fit both sets of fingers inside the gap, but I'm not really sure if that constitutes a big gap. I've tried doing pilates as advised by everyone I discuss this with and it's just so mind numbingly dull for me, is there another way?

Please don't tell me I'm being vain, 'mothers should have better priorities' or 'you probably look fine' (have had all of this before), I'm in a position where my body/appearance is often under scrutiny. I don't necessarily need my body back how it was to be happy, but I'd like to feel happier about it now.

Thanks in advance!

[rumtumtugger]

Check out Mutu - it's a diet and exercise system specially created for mums with diastasis rectii (sp??) which is separated tummy muscles. You do the exercises at home via videos and there's a Facebook page online community to inspire and support. Sit ups prob aren't the best thing for you. I don't work for them btw!!

[ipanemame]

Do not do sit ups, it will make things worse.

Suck your tummy in all the time, sitting, walking, especially when picking up children. It is quite a subtle move but makes a massive difference. Go and see a physio if you don't think you are doing it right. I have gone from a 3 finger gap to 1 in 9 months.

Good luck.