Trading Corsets For Core Function, A not-so-Bridgerton Story

Netflix’s Bridgerton

Dearest Gentle Reader,

Happy Bridgerton Premiere Week!

As the social season of the ton unfolds, with its glittering balls and sumptuous soirées, the fair ladies of society once again find themselves ensnared in the tantalizing embrace of fashion’s most exquisite, yet perilous, accoutrements.

Chief among these are the tight corsets that cinch the waist into an enviable silhouette and the vertiginous heels that elevate a lady’s stature to commanding heights. While these pieces may render a lady the cynosure of all eyes, they come at a price that extends far beyond mere discomfort.

Netflix Bridgerton Scene: Mother and maid tying corset on adult daughter.
Netflix’s Bridgerton: Season 1, Episode 1

In the pursuit of maintaining an impeccable posture and a figure that rivals the Grecian goddesses, these tight corsets impose a constriction upon the body that is both unforgiving and relentless. This forced rigidity not only hampers one’s ability to draw a full breath but also exerts undue pressure upon one’s parts below.

Netflix Bridgerton Scene, Season 1: Prudence Featherington fainting from tight corset while greeting Queen Charlotte.
Netflix’s Bridgerton: Season 1, Episode 1

Ah, the pelvic floor—a realm seldom spoken of in polite society, yet it is the very foundation of a lady’s bodily function and grace. Keeping it locked up tight is but a recipe for disaster.

Thus, while the ephemeral glories of fashion and the pursuit of beauty may beckon, it is paramount that one remains aware of the body’s needs. Loosening your corset strings is not merely a matter of comfort, but of health and well-being.

A balance must be struck—between the pursuit of elegance and the preservation of one’s physical health. Let not the enchantment of the ton render you a captive to fashion’s whims, but rather, a sovereign of your own self-care.

So, as you adorn yourself in the finery of the season, let wisdom guide your choices, before you find yourself tumbling to the ground due to lack of air.

Yours sincerely,

A Discerning Observer of the Ton

Free The Belly And The Deep Core

Ok, in all seriousness, fashion is and can be fun! But these tight articles of clothing come with a price. If you find yourself donning tight bodices and corsets, limit the time you wear them and be sure to give the belly and ribs some time to breathe and expand soon after.

The allure of tight clothing, designed to accentuate curves, compresses the torso and the ribs. The compression of the rib cage and the immovable grip around the abdomen create an environment where the natural mechanics of breathing are compromised.

A lack of range in the diaphragm – and faulty breathing mechanics – results in a shallow, chest-dominant pattern that hinders the balance between the diaphragm and the deep core (this includes the pelvic floor) – which can compromise our posture, stability, and core function,

A weakened diaphragm further inhibits the body from performing necessary bodily functions that help balance anxiety, immune function, hormone regulation, and so on.

Let the Pelvic Floor Be Free

The sustained compression from a tight corset increases intra-abdominal pressure, forcing it downward upon the pelvic floor. This constant pressure can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to a host of pelvic floor dysfunction that include, but are not limited to, incontinence, prolapse, pelvic floor pain, low-back pain, and a bulging belly. The unrelenting force on these muscles disrupts their natural function, creating a vulnerability that can have lasting repercussions.

Woman wearing a pink corset-style dress.
https://corset-story.co.uk/blogs/news/celebrities-and-corsets-who-inspires-us

To keep it simple, a tight belly, whether due to tight clothing or from chronically holding in your tummy all day, will eventually put pressure on the pelvic floor and deep core. This tightness and tension will create a high-pressure environment for dysfunction.

Imagine the discomfort Kim Kardashian was experiencing , seen here at the latest Met Gala.

Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala 2024 in a tight corset-style dress.
GOTHAM//GETTY IMAGES

Though your muscles may be working hard to maintain and control this pressure, the pelvic floor muscles and the Linea Alba (the connective tissue along the midline of the belly) eventually get tired (weak) and have to give.

Let the belly move. Let it breathe. Let it expand. Learn how to breathe optimally with Corrective Breathwork.

A pelvic floor assessment can help you understand if you have an overactive an underactive core/pelvic floor.

Do you find that you experience any of the above symptoms? Reach out for a ‘free virtual pelvic floor assessment ‘ and other resources to help you navigate your next steps. Available through the end of May.

Empower Your Postpartum Journey with Movement, Community, and Rebalance

Having a baby can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of a woman’s life. Nevertheless, the postpartum period can be a challenging time for women, both physically and emotionally. Hormonal changes, weight gain, and the physical demands of caring for a new baby can take a toll on the body. However, corrective exercise and group support can be a powerful tool for new mothers in their postpartum recovery as well as women well into their motherhood journey. In this post, we will explore the benefits of corrective exercise and strength in community during the postpartum period and beyond.

Physical Benefits of Corrective Exercise During Postpartum Recovery

Women in fitness class

While exercise itself has numerous benefits in the Postpartum period, corrective exercise is especially important after having a baby. Corrective exercise can help women restore strength, improve posture, and reduce pain and discomfort.

During pregnancy, the abdominal and pelvic muscles stretch and weaken, which can cause pain, discomfort, dysfunction, and even injury. Corrective exercise can help reconnect and rebuild these muscles, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall physical health.

Elevate Your Emotional Well-Being Through Movement

In addition to its physical benefits, corrective exercise can also have a positive impact on a new mother’s emotional well-being and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels.

Corrective exercise can also help boost confidence and body image, which can be especially important during a time when a woman’s body is undergoing significant changes.

When to Get Started and How to Build a Routine

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women wait until they have had their postpartum checkup, usually around six weeks after giving birth, before starting an exercise program. However, it’s extremely important to listen to your body and only start exercise when you feel ready. It’s also essential to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you had a complicated birth or have any medical conditions.

While the above is true before you plan exercise postpartum, it is also just as important to revive the mind-body connection soon after giving birth to maintain the neurological link with muscles that may have been affected by pregnancy and delivery. Waking up the connection to your core and pelvic floor muscles is vital as you gear up to start moving independently post-delivery or C-section.

It is valuable to develop a mind-body connection before and during pregnancy to prepare for an optimal Postpartum recovery and prevent potential dysfunction down the line. However, if you’re just discovering corrective exercise after you’ve already birthed your children, it is best to begin making this mind-body connection as soon as possible This can be accomplished with the help of a skilled prenatal and postpartum corrective exercise professional. Reach out to certified trainer, Melissa Ellis, to find out more about this vital practice.

The Value in Finding Your Mom Group

Four sisters nursing their babies. Three are sitting next to each other while one looks towards the other three, smiling.
Me and my three sisters experiencing the joy of nursing together!

Social support and mom groups can be extremely beneficial for both new moms during postpartum recovery and seasoned mothers who are well into motherhood.

New mothers can benefit from the support, encouragement, and camaraderie of other mothers who are also navigating their postpartum journey. Seasoned mothers, on the other hand, can share their experiences and offer advice and support to new mothers.

Through regular interactions and group activities – like group fitness and wellness, mothers can build relationships, share their experiences, and receive encouragement and support as they navigate their postpartum journey. Mom groups provide a platform for sharing information and tips related to postpartum recovery, parenting, and overall well-being. Joining a mom group can help mothers of all experience levels feel less isolated, more confident, and better equipped to handle the challenges of postpartum recovery and the journey throughout motherhood.

POSTPARTUM+ REBALANCE, Your Path to Total Wellness and an Empowered Motherhood

Becoming a new mom – and caring for growing children – is a time of intense physical and emotional changes. Your body transforms, hormones fluctuate, and the demands of caring for a tiny human can take a toll. However, with the right support, new mothers, seasoned moms, and grandmothers alike can regain their strength, flexibility, and emotional balance. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the POSTPARTUM+ REBALANCE program. This comprehensive 6-week program is designed to support women in regaining strength, flexibility, and emotional balance. Experience a journey of physical and emotional transformation and emerge stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle the challenges of motherhood.

The POSTPARTUM+ REBALANCE program includes 12 one-on-one sessions, 6 weekly wellness sessions, 6 live group workouts, wellness guides, movement journals, and guided grocery and shopping lists, as well as group support and check-ins. This program has been carefully designed to provide postpartum women with the support, knowledge, and tools they need to improve their overall well-being.

Social, Emotional, and Physical Support All In One

The POSTPARTUM+ REBALANCE program focuses on rehabilitation and strengthening the core and pelvic floor, building functional strength, and improving flexibility. With this program, you can reduce stress, eliminate or reduce postpartum-related aches and pains, and feel more confident in your body.

In addition to the physical benefits, the POSTPARTUM+ REBALANCE program also addresses emotional well-being. The weekly wellness sessions and group support will help you explore various aspects of wellness along with practical tips and habits to enhance your overall well-being. Each session will leave you feeling supported and motivated.

The next POSTPARTUM+ REBALANCE program starts on 2/26/23 and runs through 4/7/23. To celebrate the launch of this program, Mom Belly Fitness is offering spots at a super low price! Take advantage of the special launch offer and secure your spot today with limited-time pricing. Hurry, as spots expected to fill up fast. Apply now!

Melissa and her son on the beach at 1 year Postpartum