The focus of Week 5 is Neutral Rib Alignment and Core Endurance.
I had already talked a lot about rib alignment with Kelly during my Skype session, so this was a great follow up. My big focus was on maintain proper pelvic alignment without sticking my ribs forward. This is also the week I was supposed to be weaning from my splint. But I’d honestly begun doing that a while ago. At this point I usually wear it only when exercising, now that the warm weather has arrived.
Last weekend I worked in the garden without my splint, which was probably a mistake, but I did avoid bending, instead opting for kneeling and squatting. Usually after my first long planting session of the year I have massive hamstring pain. However, this time I had no problems. No pain at all, which is encouraging.
Since this is the week Kelly recommends that you begin weaning from your splint I thought this would be a good time for me to review the splint itself. This was not my first splint. I had ordered a FITsplint on the recommendations of Beth Learn at Fit2B Studio last year when I first tried the program. Fortunately this gave me something to compare it to.
At first glance, the Tummy Team splint looks very basic. It is a little longer than my other splint. It was a little bit difficult to figure out how to wear it. I wish it came with some kind of instructions. I think I finally realized that putting in on the tag on the outside (which is technically inside out) worked better for me.
I don’t wear my splint all the time. If I’m in the house, yes. I’ll even consider wearing it at night. But with the warm weather having finally arrived, I just don’t want another layer to wear. However, I don’t have a severe diastasis so it isn’t as essential for me, though it will speed my recovery. Sometimes I can’t seem to get the Velcro to line up and I end up with part of it sticking out and catching on my clothes.
Unfortunately the open mesh portion is the perfect size for little toddler fingers. (Apparently he thinks I shouldn’t wear the splint). But overall it seems to be just stiff enough to encourage me to use better alignment but doesn’t really restrict movement. It doesn’t lay terribly smooth under clothing, and I do need a tank top under it or it is too rough on my skin. But honestly, no splint looks great under your clothes unless you wear very baggy things. That’s why I compromised on how much I wear it.
As far as my progress in the actual program is concerned, I am having trouble remembering to do all of the exercises. Plus I got sick this week which meant I didn’t do much of anything for a few days. Hopefully I can catch up again next week. I am finding that the standing pec stretch is helping with some of the upper back pain I was having, but it is hard to find good places to do it. Kelly recommends doing this stretch in the shower, which I try to do. But sometimes if I’m too tired (or don’t shower that day), I don’t always remember.
I know that next week’s theme is consistency so I’m going to try and focus on that more. Hopefully this cold clears up quickly and I’ll be able to get back on track with my exercise goals as well.
Tummy Team Week 6: Consistency
I have been provided with complimentary access to this training program in order to review it. All opinions expressed are my own and I am not compensated for my reviews. However, all posts may contain affiliate links.
Repairing My Core: Reviewing the Core Foundations 8-week Online Training Program with the Tummy Team
Tummy Team Week 3: Neutral Pelvis and Core Strength
My Skype Session with Kelly Dean
Tummy Team Week 4: Pelvic Floor
Photo Credit: Deanna Wardin @ Tattoo Boogaloo via Compfight cc
