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.
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.
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.
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.
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.