Abdominoplasty changes the shape but not the story

A Mommy Makeover or Tummy Tuck Won’t Fix It All: Why Your Core and Pelvic Floor Need More

A mommy makeover or tummy tuck can work wonders in terms of how your body looks—tightening and toning the abdominal area. But while these procedures enhance the appearance of your core, they don’t necessarily improve its function. After all, a beautifully sculpted abdomen doesn’t equate to a well-functioning core and pelvic floor.

If the muscles of the core and pelvic floor aren’t working together, you may be setting yourself up for issues down the road—prolapse, leaking, and other pelvic floor dysfunctions can arise, even if symptoms aren’t present now. Why? Because when pressure management isn’t properly addressed, it can cause pressure to build in areas where the body isn’t designed to handle it. These pressures can have long-term effects, leading to discomfort, dysfunction, and even injury.

Think of it as preventative work—or prehab. If you’ve already invested time and energy into your mommy makeover or tummy tuck, why not complete the process by making sure your core, pelvic floor, and breath are functioning as they should? When these systems work together in harmony, they provide the foundation for a truly powerful and functional body.

Here are two easy things you can do right now, at home, to start building that connection:

1. 360-Degree Breath:
   Stand or sit up tall and take a deep breath, imagining the air filling all sides of your ribcage—front, sides, and back. This expands your diaphragm fully, allowing for better engagement of your pelvic floor and core. Practice this breath daily to increase awareness and coordination of your core muscles.

2. Match Breath to Exertion:
   When you’re lifting or exerting force (whether it’s during exercise or daily tasks), focus on exhaling during the effort, and inhaling as you return to a resting position. This simple breath pattern helps manage intra-abdominal pressure, reducing the risk of strain on your pelvic floor and core.

While these steps are a great start, there’s so much more to be gained by diving deeper into breathwork, core activation, and pelvic floor coordination. If you’re ready to take the next step and build a foundation for true strength and power, private training can help guide you through the process with personalized techniques that work for your body.