A fresh Fit2B workout sample, exercise tip, contributor spotlight, and links to any new content we’ve made each week!
Tag Archives: blog
Here on Fit2B we provide specialized workouts for women whose cores need extra attention. Often – not always – there is trauma somewhere in their past. However, as I begin this blog about how trauma can affect our tummy muscles – keep in mind that the pelvic floor forms the bottom of our core canister […]
Being on bedrest when youβre expecting a baby or recovering from an injury or surgery can be tough on your mental health, heart health, bone density, and fitness. Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional changes of whatever situation you’re in, but you also have to find ways to avoid joint stiffness, […]
We launched a podcast called Fit2B Radio several years ago. Since then, we’ve produced so many women’s health & fitness episodes with experts on the topics of diastasis recti, maternal mental health, perimenopause, labor and birth recovery, female sports and athletics, and more! Making it easy to find all those topics for those who want […]
I started rubbing my motherβs back as we sat together after our thanksgiving meal. She sighed and whispered βthank youβ to me, and I pondered all the ways her body has served me and my three siblings + my dad over the years. Her spine has begun to shrink in response to 80 years of […]
Here on Fit2B we provide a private support forum for our clients. It’s drama-free, full of helpful topics and discussions, and many authentic testimonies & stories about our diastasis aware workouts and courses get posted there. This one posted by Rachelle Nelson was literally a blog-length beauty of a pep talk, and she graciously allowed […]
It’s been 9 years since we launched our own fitness channel on Roku, and we’ve added a lot to it since then. We have over 300 workouts on there, including our color series, prenatal and postnatal workouts, and more! We’re currently in the middle of a masssssive update, and all the “construction dust” is making […]
Youβve seen the dangling people doing acrobatics on silky scarves, and they make it look so easy. Even the most simple hanging poses look a little scary though, right? What if we start with the utter basics, no fancy dangles, and use the silks for support and simple stretches? Ah, now that would be the […]
Have you ever been so tired, and you know you need to lift weights, but you donβt even want to get off the couch? What if you could start your weight workout right there? Lazy Weights is an idea that came to me when someone mentioned the card game βcrazy eightsβ while I was sitting […]
Even as I help women get stronger, I can feel powerless sometimes. Just like you, I find myself wondering – in the midst of mind-numbing news constantly coming at us from around the globe – what can I do? What difference can I make when life feels so “out of control” and even dangerous? At […]
“So how does your business give back?” Someone asked me that recently. As I began telling that person all the things we have done, I realized that — thanks to being raised to not ‘toot my own horn’ and ‘not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing’ — I have never […]
Mermaid movements are a Fit2B fave, and this hip-loving routine strings a bunch of variations together to make one very delightful workout for your core and entire body. Wait, what if mermaids havenβt been your friend? Well, I bet youβll find a few variations you CAN do in this routine, and then you can use […]
Looking for all the little things from the top of your head to the tip of your toes? Need something quick to just hit all the high points, connect to your core, and get moving in some meaningful ways? Youβll find it all right here in this short routine. However, please note a little error […]
Two situations from two totally different arenas of my life put the Body Mass Index (BMI) on my radar last week: My son’s homework assignment and a very sad client dealing with discrimination from her insurance program. Weight loss is a very personalized path for everyone, and Fit2B has helped thousands of people with managing […]
If you have diastasis rectus abdominus (DRA) you will hopefully feel reassured to know that more and more is being learned all the time. The science isn’t settled, and those of us who work deeply in the trenches (pun intended) of this topic never get tired of studying and discussing it. Here are some new […]
Tabata is a style of workout that offers a a variety of exercises within a timed framework that provides a manageable level of interval training. If you want to learn more about Tabata and the country that created it, visit our Exercise Around The World course here. In this workout, weβre going to do just […]
Have you ever eyeballed your stairs at home and wondered if you could use them for a workout? Maybe you’ve even walked or jogged up and down them a few times – or tried a few jumps – but then you weren’t sure about safety, or you got bored of endless stair laps. Maybe your […]
Got stairs? Want to sneak in some stretches on your way up and down? Feeling so tired youβd like to just sit down at the top and slide down? This routine was created by me on a day like that. I had made umpteen trips up and down my stairs, and one point I just […]
Raise your hand if you’ve been forced to change your habits and routines drastically since 2020… I’m with you! Now raise your hand if the way you workout has also changed, and you’ve struggled to make fitness a habit again. Maybe you went from heading to the gym right after dropping kids off at school […]
Whenever heβd see someone limping, my grandpa would say that person had βa hitch in their git along.β If youβve got a hitch in the front or back of your hips, or your lumbar spine (lower back) feels unhappy for some unknown reason, this routine may bring a lot of relief. Mad muscles donβt just […]
This total body workout will bounce you to better fitness with fun choreography and music! Itβs rated βCβ for Challenging because itβs full of big bounces, fun footwork, and multipoint motions. If youβre not sure whether your core and pelvic floor are ready for this, I recommend you complete the following routines first: 5 Minute […]
You know those stray pool noodles that kick around your garage or yard long after your kids are done with their summertime swimming? Letβs grab one to improve your core + upper and lower body mobility between now and next summer! My kids got a lot of laughs out of me as I spent this […]
When I got my first job vacuuming the neighbors house as a kid, my dad sat me down several times to discuss budgeting. One concept he taught me was about using envelopes to segment my earnings into saving, giving, and spending. I would put a dollar in giving, a dollar in saving, and the rest […]
Here in America, the founding families of Fit2B celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of each November. Everyone has their own traditions, but ours include gathering with loved ones, enjoying a feast, going for a walk with full bellies, and playing games. Social media tends to fill up with thankful posts and exercise challenges – […]
Got a BOSU at home? How about a big flat book + a firm pillow? Any balance board, vibrating platform β someone even mentioned a skateboard β anything you think is safe for you could potentially serve as your version of a prop for this slow yet thorough full-body, balance-building routine! Thereβs so much we […]
Learning how to do pull-ups and gaining the strength to do them is an ongoing βuse it or lose itβ journey. This routine will teach you 6 progressive steps to improve your ability to do a pull-up! When I was in middle school, like, maybe 6th grade, I could beat all the kids β even […]
Soβ¦ this routine of pelvic rest exercises is super personal for me, and I have a lot to say about it. First, Iβve been where you are. If youβre needing this exercise video, itβs not because life is peachy right now, am I right? My story: I was put on pelvic rest for 6 weeks […]
I had never planned to learn how to workout with battle ropes at home until the day a friend offered some up for sale for $40 and I just knew I had to have them. It was right in the middle of April 2020 – so early lockdowns – and my daughter was with me […]
If youβre fortunate enough to find a set of battle ropes, then youβll LOVE this quick standing arm and core workout that will tone your abs, shoulders, biceps and triceps! Β There are several interesting things to note in this routine: First, Iβm barefoot. I have worked toward being able to do this for my […]
βOn Friday, I did Rebound Cardio though I donβt have a rebounder so I turned it into a floor routine! And Quad Burn. I had a really stressful dayβ¦ it really really helped to move my body.βΒ -Melissa B. If your pelvic floor is ready for more, and you like to dance and bounce, then youβre […]
A tight muscle has trouble being a strong muscle. As we lay the foundation of strength in your core, we also need to open up those tight spots and loosen up any restrictions. We asked Kelly, founder of The Tummy Team, for her 5 favorite basic stretches that would benefit anyone making a fresh start, […]
As the premier provider of workouts for Diastasis Recti since 2010, here at Fit2B we work hard to stay at the forefront of of the fitness industry when it comes to progressively loading your abs. You want to get stronger stomach muscles, and we want to help… but we can’t keep doing it the same […]
Find a comfortable place to sit, stand or lay down on your back while you learn how to connect to your core with different cues. Youβll be trying many different cues that youβll hear in your future Fit2B workouts. While Beth teaches from a seated position, you are encouraged to test the core cues she […]
If youβre between the ages of 35-50 then youβre likely Perimenopausal, but donβt freak out. As I write this short blog, I’m 42 myself, and I’ve found so many things that are helping me manage the symptoms of perimenopause. Exercising consistently – not always intensely – should go with out saying. Exercise improves bone density […]
Use these editable graphics year round. Each one is different and fun! Don’t forget to share the blank one with your followers after you share your filled-in version. That way, they can screenshot it and easily make their own!Β We hope you’ll do one each month or each season.
The simple DIY tips in this free video will teach you how to quickly create a kettlebell weight to use in your home workouts. During our Winter Conference, Beth demonstrated to Chris and our participants how people who don’t have kettle bells at home can make their own by knotting sturdy bags a certain way. […]
15 Minutes or Less, 20 Minutes or Less, 25 Minutes or Less, 30 Minutes or Less, Cardio, Challenging Routines, color series, Core, Easy Routines, Lower Body, Medium Routines, No Props Required, Non-Yoga, Pathways, Postnatal, Relaxing, Stretching & Flexibility, TummySafe, Upper Body, Weights & Resistance, Workout Routines, Yoga
Color Series: Silver Home Workout Videos
The following βSILVERβ workouts are the eighth and final installment in our Color Series of home workout videos,Β a 2-year project which uses color themes to explore the core, breath, and motion. I dyed my hair to match each part of the series, and I also provided cues, wore fun outfits, and set each stage in […]
Beth Learn, the founder of Fit2B, is a certified Level 1 Hypopressive Instructor who trained under Dr. Tamara Rial. The following 3 low-pressure βhypopressiveβ workouts were originally filmed on 3 separate occasions as part of our Color Series of home workout videos, which is why my hair is 3 different colors. However, the intent was […]
No matter where you are in your year (or life) this straightforward challenge will help you achieve 150 workouts. We have several free printables here that will help you reach your fitness goals. However, the #Fit2B150 Challenge was a member fave last year, so we thought we’d put a little more effort into promoting it […]
At this time of year, it can feel like the whole world is shouting for my attention. However, all I want to do is keep my family healthy, stay connected to my loved ones and the real meaning of the season, maintain my fitness through the holidays, enjoy some peaceful downtime, and locate some pretty […]
There are five words that pertain to female health that all start with the letter ‘B’ which all need extra attention and motion, because these things connect to morbidity and mortality rates. That means that how we care for these five b-words may impact our risk of illness and early death. You and all your […]
If you don’t want to waddle around,Β looking Β like you just got off a horse after you finish an indoor cycling workout at home, and you want to prevent injury, avoid chafing, protect your knees, then correctly setting up your home exercise bike is important! This short video will help you set up just about any […]
10 Minutes or Less, 15 Minutes or Less, 20 Minutes or Less, 25 Minutes or Less, 30 Minutes or Less, 31 Minutes +, Cardio, Challenging Routines, color series, Easy Routines, Medium Routines, No Props Required, Pathways, Stretching & Flexibility, TummySafe, Weights & Resistance, Workout Routines, Yoga
Color Series: Pink Home Workout Videos
The following βPINKβ workouts were the seventh installment in our Color Series of home workout videos which uses centralized themes of color to explore the core, breath, and motion. The Color SeriesΒ was a 2-year project that was completed in January of 2021. It reflects 8 colors and contains almost 50 inspiring workouts. Now remember, this […]
Are you familiar with the growth-mindset practice of adding the words “right now” to the ending or beginning of sentences? For example, with more time at home due to governmental restrictions on activities, the following 2-2-2 fitness training plan is working for me right now. It keeps me exercising in purposeful, structured ways for 30 […]
For many fitness-loving moms, getting back to working out regularly is a top post-pregnancy goal. Of course, we quickly realize just how much of our time and energy our sweet new baby demands, which generally means adjusting our movement goals accordingly. Done properly, the fitness benefits of babywearing are undeniable: Carrying loads improves your bone […]
We’re approaching October 1st, the day we opened our doors in 2010 after filming and building our home workout video website for 6 months. I’m doing a lot of reminiscing about our first 10 years as the world’s premiere provider of TummySafe Fitness (which means we offer pressure-reducing cues during every exercise that protect pelvic […]
My word for the year of 2020 was ‘observe,’ and wow did I ever get loads of opportunities to pay attention to changes in the world! Never before has the ability to workout at home been so valued. One day, while I was working out in my living room – practicing for a future Fit2B […]
When you don’t have gym access, you need to exercise at home or outdoors, and these all weather workout tips will help you stay consistent through all season. ConsistencyΒ with exercising in ways that manage your abdominal doming in your closing Diastasis Recti truly matters more than intensity, so you need to be prepared. To help […]
Join licensed physical therapist Kelly Dean of The Tummy Team and award-winning master swimmer Kelly Dean for Kellyβs Lower Body Workout, a thorough diastasis-aware thigh workout thatβs all standing, all tummysafe, and all fun + simplicity! She uses a chair to assist balance in some of the movements, and her cheerful professional cues will leave […]
Weβd like to introduce you to Jahnea Lecouris, a vibrant dance instructor whom we know youβll adore! If you have been wanting to dance, but you need to ease into the footwork β wow β do we have a treat for you!! Fit2B Members have begged us for a few dance workouts (but Beth is […]
Β With Kellyβs Standing Abs Workout, you donβt need to get on the floor to work your abdominals. The reality is that your core is very active in standing positions, and licensed physical therapist Kelly Dean of The Tummy TeamΒ will show you how to work your abs while standing up with this set of upright core […]
Diets are bad and fats are good. Seriously, that is what I believe. As a core fitness specialist and the founder of Fit2B, I’veΒ worked with thousands of people worldwide and observed the damage of diet rollercoasters and fat phobias. However, if you believe you have some “extra love” to lose, and you’re interested in a […]
According to the Mayo Clinic, Post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event β either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Psychology Today has reported multiple studies and research endeavors proving that exercise […]
More people are turning to gardening during these crazy times. However, as I learned while getting my degree in exercise and sport science, gardening doesn’t just yield plants. It also yields injuries if you’re not being mindful of how you move while digging, weeding, and harvesting. Here on Fit2B, we specialize in helping people with […]
For this walking meditation: Find a place to recline on your bed or couch. Press play and get comfortable while the introduction to the track plays. Then let my voice guide you on a “pretend” walk. You will visualize how your body moves while walking, practice your alignment in your mind, and imagine the terrain […]
In the 2008 Olympics, a volleyball player named Kerri Walsh Jennings won gold while wearing Kinesio Tape, which had been invented in the 1970s by Kenzo Kase, a chiropractor in Japan. Suddenly, the concept of taping trouble spots went mainstream, but using tape on tummies with Diastasis Recti has only recently gained attention. In this […]
If your abs make weird shapes when you sit up, lean back, or do crunches, that can tell you a lot about your core. Doming can be a physical sign of abdominal separation and dysfunction, but does doming equal Diastasis Recti every time it happens? Here’s a video with my thoughts on bellies that dome, […]
Here at Fit2B we provide subscription access to over 300 home workout videos, and our prop list of optional exercise isn’t expensive. We realize most people don’t have a lot of extra money to buy fitness gear they will only use for a little while, so we get creative with what you probably already have […]
Straight up, I’m not a runner, but I have trained a lot of clients who thrive better when they can run. It’s a sad day for many women when they try to return to running after having a baby, only to discover it doesn’t feel right: their bladders may leak, their abs may pooch out […]
10 Minutes or Less, 15 Minutes or Less, 20 Minutes or Less, 25 Minutes or Less, Blog, Cardio, Challenging Routines, color series, Diastasis Recti, Easy Routines, Lower Body, Medium Routines, No Props Required, Non-Yoga, Pelvic Floor, Postnatal, Relaxing, Stretching & Flexibility, TummySafe, Upper Body, Weights & Resistance, Workout Routines, Yoga
Color Series: Black Home Exercise Workouts
The following βblackβ workouts are the fourth installment in our Color Series of home workout videos which is exploring breath and motion around central themes. Upon completion, The Color Series will reflect 8 colors and contain a total of 40-50 workouts. For extra fun, Iβm dressing and dying my hair to match each color! Purple […]
What if “working out” isn’t the only way to exercise, move your tissues, and strengthen your body?Β Moving tissues beyond exercise is easier than you think!Β When we go beyond thinking of movement as exercise that repetitively shifts one or several parts of our body from one spot to another and we start to look for […]
When I surveyed our fans on Instagram to ask what ORANGE means to them, just like the rest of The Color Series so far, I received a huge variety of answers: Autumn, shelter, caution, hunter safety, optimism, caution cones, pumpkins, warmth, happiness, the orange fruit, Vitamin C, showing off, beauty, wealth, endurance, strength, the value […]
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus is finally getting some of the attention it deserves in the wide world, and people are learning that β while Diastasis Recti is very treatable β it can be part of a domino effect in core dysfunction and your abdominal appearance. For some people, their diastasis may be deep and wide enough […]
Two of my immediate family members have recently had major heart issues, so recent scientific news about women’s health has grabbed my attention. Exercise is a regular part of my life, though, so I shouldn’t have to worry about it, right? Well, friends, I’ve never been one to rest on my laurels, so let’s talk […]
When you’re looking for extra energy to improve your workout or just to get through a slumpy afternoon, it’s easy to crack open a can of carbonated caffeine. Let’s take a look at energy drinks and your core. Some people are sensitive to certain ingredients. If you have a history of core weakness, injury, or […]
Cartoon images were popular when Fit2B launched in 2010, so our original logo was a gal we called “Molly.” She is still represented on our Roku Channel, and we had some cartoons drawn (scroll down) of her everyday life to remind all of us that we aren’t alone on our fitness journeys. Molly looks a […]
My friends are always confessing their missed workouts to me. They say things like, “I haven’t exercised all week!” Not only do I not keep track of the exercise habits of my friends, sometimes they baffle me when they say things like that while we are paddleboarding or picking berries together. It’s like there’s this […]
Pain is the first thing many people think of when they hear the words, “Listen to your body.” What if you have a high pain threshold, though, so you tend to get injured a lot because you don’t feel pain until you’re torn apart? Or what if you have a super low pain threshold, so […]
When an incision is made in your belly for any type of surgery β Cesarean, appendectomy, hernia mesh installment, hysterectomy, etc. β the nerves in that area are left somewhat exposed by the remaining scar, and the area can be uncomfortable or numb for years to come. When you have a c-section scar on your […]
What’s the story behind our Color Series? Designing home workouts around central themes of color began with an innocent question over dinner when I was 38. We were on a business retreat with our spouses, and my business partner, Chris, asked me if I thought I would still be doing this when I turned 40 […]
10 Minutes or Less, 15 Minutes or Less, 20 Minutes or Less, 30 Minutes or Less, 31 Minutes +, Blog, Cardio, Challenging Routines, color series, Core, Easy Routines, Lower Body, Medium Routines, No Props Required, Non-Yoga, Pelvic Floor, Postnatal, Relaxing, Stretching & Flexibility, TummySafe, Upper Body, Weights & Resistance, Workout Routines
Color Series: Red Home Exercise Videos
When I surveyed our fans on Instagram to ask what RED means to them, I received a huge variety of answers: Passion, fire, danger, pledging to stay drug-free, safety, caution, anger, HIV awareness, hearts, fire trucks, poppies, robin breasts, love, and blood. Itβs a color that evokes strong β sometimes conflicting β feelings, and it […]
Raise your hand if you remember eating homemade popsicles too quickly, getting brain freeze, then conning your little sister out of hers because Mom said you could only have one. Was that middle part just me? Oh, I was such a naughty child, but here I am: trying to be a good mom by making […]
β¦ Now 21 ToneUp has a friend! The time will fly during this full body workout that explores 7 exercises done for 1 minute each for 4 rounds. If you loved 21 ToneUp and youβre ready for a more lengthy workout + more challenging exercises, well, get ready to get your sweat on! This home […]
So how might hypopressives help diastasis rectus abdominus? During the training, we got to see two ultrasounds done in real time. One was on Dr. Tamara as she performed various hypopressives in supine, kneeling, and all-fours positions. She did not have diastasis, and her linea alba held strong with every breath-hold (apnea). Then a course […]
Birthing a baby takes strength, power, resilience, and awareness, regardless of the method of delivery. I’ll add flexibility to that list because, no matter how you plan for your birth to go, so many factors are in play β between you, the baby, the birth environment, your support team, and your access to additional resources […]
Members asked for a basic weight training video for children, and this is our answer: Sadie and I partnered to teach kids how to breathe, align, and have fun while lifting some easy weights. This isnβt about helping kids bulk up or trim down. This is about learning form and technique that will improve coordination […]
July is International Diastasis Recti Awareness Month. Since we provide home fitness workouts and education that specifically address abdominal and pelvic health for women here on Fit2B, we are always participating. We’d also like to introduce you to a few other key players who work in the trenches of torn-apart tummies with us. While Fit2B […]
Taking TummySafe Fitness to the Global Stage It was my immense honor {and lots of fun} to speak at Woman On Fire, a global event for womens health professionals put on in Brighton UK by Burrell Education in April, 2019. My presentations covered two topics: Authentic Puberty: Raising Girls Who Get It, based on my […]
Every day I talk to women all over the world who want β not just to tone or flatten their tummies β but to fully heal their cores with the right exercises for diastasis recti. Occasionally, someone will detail their journey in writing to me like T.A. has done here. I am sharing her story […]
10 Minutes or Less, 15 Minutes or Less, 20 Minutes or Less, 25 Minutes or Less, Cardio, Chair Routines, color series, Core, Easy Routines, Medium Routines, No Props Required, Non-Yoga, Postnatal, Relaxing, Stretching & Flexibility, TummySafe, Upper Body, Weights & Resistance, Workout Routines, Yoga
Color Series: Purple
“I’m going to dye my hair a bunch of different colors when I turn 40 and film a bunch of colorful workouts to go with them,” is what I told my friends a couple years ago. I kept my word, and here are the first PURPLE workouts in the new FIt2B Color Series!
What is “tummysafe fitness” for diastasis recti? It means that every exercise reinforces and increases your core strength without involving any crunches or crunch-like motions, unmodified planks, jack-knifing motions, or sit-ups while you’re first returning to fitness. It was originally coined by my colleague and good friend, Kelly Dean of The Tummy Team, whose core […]
Many doctors, physical therapists, personal trainers, and group fitness instructors MISSING and MIS-DIAGNOSING this common abdominal issue.
If the midline of your abs has thinned and separated, you need to mind that gap and change how you workout at the gym while you resolve that diastasis recti.
Does wrapping your belly with a postpartum abdominal splint weaken or strengthen your core?
Featuring Kathryn Brunner of Musik At Home Crunches are always the first thing blurted when I ask random people how they believe their abs work β which means my work isnβt done yet β however, the deep abdominal muscles of your core perform hundreds of actions all day long. Your abs help you breathe, stand […]
Fit2B is a family-friendly fitness site that specializes in workouts for a little-known issue called diastasis recti that can make the two sides of your abs feel as if theyβre in separate zip codes. Diastasis rectus abdominis is actually a major symptom that often shows up as part of a vicious cycle of core weakness […]
by Gillian Sukachevin, MSPT Sexual dysfunction is painful, disruptive and debilitating in so many ways and can arise from many different issues. But think about it. Even if you donβt have a debilitating condition, who wants just so-so sex? Sex is supposed to be something amazingβ-something we look forward to. A simple weakness in one […]
I love baths, especially ones containing about 4-6 cups of epsom salts. I also enjoy stretching. Many moons ago, I figured out that I could fit quite a few stretches into bathtubs big and small. Weβre already warmed up. Weβre already relaxed. Why not grab a leg and ungrip some muscles? Of course, I keep […]
We pride ourselves on being a very modest and family-friendly workout site here at Fit2B Studio.Β After all, we want to encourage women, not intimidate them. You will never see breasts or bum-crack hanging out of our clothes, but sometimes we do need to devote some time to discussing those body parts. The pectoral muscles run […]
Do you feel like youβre fighting with calves that are βtoo bigβ for those you boots you want to wear? Did you gain weight and then lose it, only to have your lower legs remain larger than before? When you lift weights, do your calves bulk up really easily? βI find it hard to find […]
This amazing sweat session with Beth includes 7 different exercises done in the Tabata tradition which hails from Japan. Each exercise is done for 20 seconds at a time with 10 seconds of rest in between for 8 rounds with a 1 minute rest before starting the next exercise. Within the repetitions, you are provided […]
Do you or someone you know have issues with incontinence during daily life activities? Β Then this post is for you. There is hope, friends. Β Just because it’s common for women who’ve had children to leak some pee when they cough, laugh hard, make love, or jog to catch up with a runaway toddler, THAT […]
It started in our private member forum one day with a hilarious comment from a longtime Fit2B customer whose enjoyed our home exercise videos for diastasis recti for years. She was checking in with a comment about her workout that day on our weekly challenge thread. She said something about how she knew she was […]
Once again, Iβm slightly irked at people who post pictures of stacks of books they plan to read along with lengthy literary lists. Life just isnβt like that. I take my books one at a time, as Iβm in the mood, circling back to old favorites, and keeping my βplan to readβ list very short. […]
Filmed in the Autumn of 2018 β thus the happy bat and fall foliage on the fireplace mantel β this full body workout routine will elevate your abdominalsβ game. As we go through this Yoga flow, we add some gentle transverse pulses to key positions. Youβll find your core in new ways! Isnβt it amazing […]
What fitness goal would you reach for if you could eliminate all of your current physical, financial, mental, or emotional barriers and do ANYTHING? Forget the fact that this is a Tummy Safeβ’ fitnessΒ site, and that you may have a diastasis. Put EVERY injury, every ache, every pain aside for a moment and write down […]
If you work with people who are dealing with diastasis recti and other symptoms of core dysfunction, you need to understand their fitness choices. Even more importantly, if you are a fitness instructor, personal trainer, physical therapist, body worker, chiropractor, or anyone who prescribes exercises of any sort, you need to know how to teach […]
The children were nestled all snug in their beds on a quiet night in December when I first watchedΒ this video from The Tummy Team about the pain of wrapping gifts. Turns out this simple task may require some technique to protect a tummy with diastasis recti, or a core that’s just given birth, or older […]
Okay, so this was supposed to be a 5-minute foam rolling routine, but I got a little carried away (as usual) because I got a new idea while filming! Iβm so excited about all these soothing motions, and I canβt wait for you to try it! Learn how a small roll can serve in this […]
Youβve seen the studies on all the so-called benefits of exercise, but perhaps those things donβt apply to you. I mean, does exercising even actually do all that stuff? It could all just be propaganda from the fitness industry trying to sell you another dumbbell. Maybe you donβt need no stinkinβ exercise! We work with […]
A belly is a sensitive thing. Talking about it, touching it, assessing it for diastasis recti … all of that nudges at a woman’s emotional, spiritual, and physical core. For every gal who wants to flaunt her flat absΒ n a bikini there are many more who would rather cover up, and not just for reasons […]
Get active with 20-week pregnant Danielle as she guides you through a prenatal practice with lots of breath and movement.Β This beautiful medium-level Yoga routine is suitable for those who have maintained their practice throughout pregnancy with no pelvic pain.Β Flow joyfully with your bump knowing that bubba is made beautifully with love.This workout is provided to […]
Break out of the βlinearβ box of motion and learn how to use your stretchy exercise bands for circular motions. In this total body routine that gradually builds the workload, we also play with tying knots in them to make a circle of resistance! Youβre going to be delighted at several new motions youβll be […]
While we provide over 300 diastasis aware workouts here on Fit2B, including full body home exercise videos for all ages and abilities, we still think walking is pretty much the best. According to biomechanist Katy Bowman, author of Move Your DNA, walking naturally lengthens and strengthens every muscle in your core. It’s great for your […]
A long time ago, in a poorly-lit room far away, with a cheap microphone we could barely afford, we filmed the first version of this routine. The audio was scratchy. My hair was long. The lights came from the garage. We cobbled together those first few Fit2B routines on prayers and tight budgets. Now, look […]
I take hot Epsom salt baths every week for several reasons, only one of which is quiet time to myself. It’s so nice to be able to tell the kids, “I’m in the bath right now, so please go find the parent who has clothes on, and he’ll help you with that.” From both mental […]
Do your children like to meow like cats and bark like dogs? What kid doesnβt like to act like an animal? Yes, this behavior can be annoying in certain venues (church, funerals, Great Aunt Ruthβs hospital room, etc.) but acting like an animal is also EXERCISE! This simple home exercise will help your children get […]
Traveling can disrupt the most avid exerciserβs routine. Being in a car or airplane for any length of time involves lots of sitting, and long journeys can leave you with sore, tight muscles. I enjoy finding creative ways to exercise on the road (or in the air) on my way to various events, so here […]
You know all that tension in your chest and thighs? Letβs release those tight places with a full body Yoga workout designed to open your hamstrings and heart-center. Youβll finish this full-length routine feeling relaxed, lengthened, blessed, and released. No props are required, but you may want to have a blanket on hand for the […]
What factors feed into a successful, consistent exercise plan? Iβve had a print copy of John R. Woodenβs Pyramid of Success since my second year in college at OSU where I received my bachelorβs degree in Exercise & Sport Science. It was handed out to me one sleepy morning in the lecture hall of my […]
So many exercises and poses have names that come from sailing, water, fish, and boats! Join us for this fun maritime-themed routine that will put a smile on the face of every child, young and old. Sadie made her debut in Fit2B routines when she was just a toddler, and out of all the children […]
As we head into the year’s biggest giving season, I’ve been pondering wellness and fitness gifts again. I want to give in ways that nourish whole beings: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Actually, this article was originally written for Christmas, but there are many reasons to engage in giving year-round, so I figured it was […]
If youβve never done aerobics before, have no fear. Bethany keeps the queues simple during these two short cardio workouts. The word βbasicβ in these videos means that the footwork and cueing is relatively simple compared to more advanced aerobics routines we have filmed, however these multi-joint moves are engaging! Please read more notes under […]
Squatting is thought by some to be one of the simplest way to work your abdominal muscles, lower body, whole core, and legs PLUS your pelvic floor BUTT (mispelling intended since squats work your glutes) many people do them wrong and approach them with poor strategies. If you squat poorly, you may not get the […]
Infants can spend up to 11-12 hours per day feeding by bottle or breast. This calm, beautiful exercise video we filmed with pelvic floor physiotherapist, Gillian Sukachevin, discusses alignment beneficial to a healing core and takes you through many arm exercises. Once you have watched the video, you can begin it again at 2:50 where […]
Do you notice your workouts suffering every month around your period? Do you feel frustrated when PMS seems to derail your fitness for a week because of sudden low energy, belly bloating, and less motivation to exercise? What if I told you that trusting your cycle is the key to unlocking your personal workout plan […]
Research studies have proven over and over how being part of a group can bolster your fitness success. For example, this 2017 study by Yorks et al involved stressed-out medical students. It showed that participation in regular group fitness classes led to an increase in physical, mental, and emotional quality of life compared with exercising […]
Hey Mama, If you are falling apart then it’s time for a hard reset. You know, like when you hold down all the buttons to power down your phone and leave it off for a few minutes so all the things can reboot?Β Yeah, because moms need breaks too. We can “run a lot of apps,” […]
Β When my husband was hospitalized overnight for severe abdominal pain and given all the tests: MRI, CAT, X-ray β¦ but told it was in his head and pronounced healthy because nothing could explain his nausea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and constant, grinding discomfort, we didn’t give up. He wasnβt healthy, and he was also experiencing […]
As I wrap up this 5-blog series on dealing with plateaus inΒ fixingΒ diastasis rectus abdominus (DRA), two things have been a recurring theme: Time and Consistency. Unfortunately, we impatient humans want everything our way, right awayΒ with extra pickles, no tomatoes, hold the mayo, right? However, narrowing a diastasis (and getting it to stay that way) requires […]
Is exercising regularly challenging for you due to chronic pain and low energy? Are you trying to workout with sickness like Hashimotos, endometriosis, lupus/SLE, thyroid imbalance, MS, adrenal fatigue, SPD, or another condition that means mainstream workouts could leave you exhausted for days? The gentle, progressive approach to fitness that I teach here on Fit2B […]
Β If youβve done our 4 basic aerobics routines, starting with these two here, and youβre ready to add a little more choreography and bigger motions to your cardio repertoire, then this floor aerobics workout is your next favorite routine! Youβll be grapevining, squatting, twisting and do a little cha-cha too! This workout is rated […]
This blog about how your feelings and moods can have a huge affect on the speed of your healing from various injuries and issuesΒ β not just DRAΒ β is actually the third installment in a 4-part series called The Unclosed CoreΒ that was originally published in 2015. I’ve been writing and praying this willΒ offer hope to those […]
If you have diastasis recti, can you keep paddleboarding? Rowing? Climbing? We field a lot of questions about fitness sports people can enjoy with diastasis recti. While some see a diagnosis of diastasis recti as a time to stop moving completely, here at Fit2B we believe that once you have done core rehab with a […]
Sore pubic bones are very common in women who are pregnant or recently given birth. This is because the bones stretch apart to make room for the baby to come out. Sometimes, the bones do βtoo good of a jobβ at widening, and if your core muscles are weak as well, then your pelvis will […]
Itβs hard enough to not have your core muscles working well for you, let alone your ears. Closed captioning isnβt just for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, though, itβs also for parents who want to workout quietly while their children take naps. Itβs for those midnight feeding sessions where you need our Neck Routine while nursing […]
Continuing our flashback of “The Unclosed Core” series, we thought you would appreciate this updated blog with current information that will encourage you to persevere. In Part One of this 4-part series, I introduced our general topic of “hope for when that diastasis recti will not close.” In Part Three, I will discuss “How Your […]
“Can I do planks if I have diastasis recti?” Itβs one of the most common questions we receive here on Fit2B where we provide tummysafe workouts that cater to those dealing with separated abs. With planks being a popular default core exercise, and plank challenges constantly circling social media, people want to know: can I […]
If youβre wanting to learn how to do planks safely and with good technique WITHOUT redamaging your diastasis recti, this 4-part video is what you need! Itβs designed to start you with the most basic concepts of planking, encourage you to practice those, and then motivate you to come back for the next part. Please […]
As promised, here is the second installment in our flashback of the popular Unclosed Core series. We hope you will take a few minutes to tell us what you are struggling with and how this is encouraging you in your commitment to persevere.Β It is an amazing time to be a core fitness specialist ministering […]
Those who exercise at home have many valid reasons for working out in their living rooms. However, being the founder of an online gym has shown me how home exercisers are sometimes scorned, as if activities that are easy for one person to do outdoors β like a casual walk around the blockΒ β or at […]
This blog inspired an entire series called The Unclosed Core. The information and encouragement you will find here is timeless and we trust you will find hope as we continue this journey together. Most of Us Are Turtles Remember Aesop’s fable about the tortoise beating the hare? The majority of the fitness world screams at […]
Β Β Β Looking for the perfect gift for a beloved mom-to-be, new mom, mom of three (or ten!), or your own mom or grandmother? Itβs hard, because most women with children focus all their energy on their kids and donβt ask for or want much, but you want to get them SOMETHING . . […]
This post may be from August 2013, but the struggle to appreciate and cherish our bellies is a common theme.Β Are you and your core on good terms, or is there still some relationship work to be done? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! My son turned 5 this past week, andΒ as I […]
The pressure on female business owners like myself to do all the things is huge. We run companies and kids in carpools. We take classes on QuickBooks and core fitness, yet we still struggle with isolation. I’ve found that it’s far too easy to buy the lie that no one understands the daily paradigms weβre […]
If you have a bit of blank wall β or if you can easily move furniture out of the way β your homeβs very structure can offer some stability and depth to key Yoga positions. This short yet thorough sequence peaks with βBalancing Half Moonβ and features many wonderful warming motions + final relaxation with […]
This blog was originally published in July 2011 and has continued to connect with those searching for information about diatsasis recti, so we decided to update and republish it in April 2018. Regardless of your background (surgeries, pregnancies, age, etc.), you CAN obtain flatter, stronger abs. It’s NOT about your six-pack, and it IS all […]
One of my favorite ways to get a quick, challenging workout β thatβs also easily scalable if Iβm low on energy β is to set up a home circuit. I put various props around my house and go through them two times, doing anywhere from 5 β 20 reps of each activity. This workout will […]
Crunches are often thought of as the most simple, easy-peasy, go-to exercise for your belly muscles. Turns out, crunching requires a fair amount of technique, especially when a diastasis recti gap is present. Done poorly and in high reps, they typically bulge the very area you may be trying to flatten. I’d like to offer […]
Bracing a broken bone doesnβt have to be a bummer. Using a therapeutic splint to support your core while your diastasis recti heals neednβt keep you from connecting to other body parts. When youβre wearing a wrap around a healing place, many other joints and muscles are still free to move. This brief educational routine […]
As I look at the long list of goals that I intend to accomplish in 2017 for myself, my family, my business, my home, my faithβ¦ I have to admit a small part of me is eyeballing a couple of the bigger ones and whispering a tiny βUm, yeah right. Thatβll never happen.β Then again, […]
If youβre struggling with pain in and around your pubic bone due to symphysis pubis dysfunction, my heart goes out to you. Itβs tricky when you canβt separate your legs or step over things without grief and grating in your groin, isnβt it? And if you have diastasis recti, too, some of the common exercises […]