13/09/2026
Do you have a persistent bulge or “doming” through the middle of your tummy particularly when you sit up, cough, lift something or exercise?
You may have heard it called abdominal separation, “mummy tummy” or re**us diastasis. It happens when the connective tissue between the two sides of the abdominal muscles becomes stretched and the abdominal wall isn’t managing pressure as effectively.
It can be incredibly distressing. It isn’t always “just a gap.” It can affect how your tummy looks and feels, your confidence, and your sense of strength and connection through the centre of your body.
One of the biggest problems I see is that women are often given exercises that are simply too difficult, too soon. If the deeper abdominal muscles aren’t activating effectively, adding more load, repetitions or challenging “core” work isn’t necessarily the answer. The body may compensate by gripping, straining or pushing pressure outwards through the abdominal wall.
A gentler, more intelligent approach can be far more effective.
I like to combine gentle fascia release with breathing, alignment and precise muscle activation, helping the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor begin working together again. From there, we can gradually build strength and introduce more challenging movements at the right time.
This approach may also benefit women managing an abdominal or umbilical hernia, alongside appropriate medical advice. Exercise cannot repair a hernia, but learning to activate the muscles correctly, manage abdominal pressure and move without unnecessary straining can improve support and function.
The aim isn’t simply to “close the gap.” It’s to create better tension and support through the abdominal wall, restore function and help you feel stronger and more confident in your body. With the right approach, both function and appearance can improve.
You don’t need to punish your tummy into changing. Often, it needs patience, precision and the right level of challenge. 🌸
