Another newbie with questions

Hi Emmalu,

You will be able to see the answers to your questions demonstrated in the dvd, but I’ll try to give you a few things to think about until then. Whole Woman philosophy differs from any other system of posture or exercise because we take into consideration the natural shape of the female spine, the position of the female organs, and the flow of intraabdominal pressure driving the whole system toward stabilization.

First of all, the belly. Unlike either the flat stomach of today’s fitness ideal or the unnatural redistribution of abdominal fat during long-term corticosteroid therapy, the WW abdominal wall is gently curved from breast bone to pubic bone. The stomach does not bulge out, but follows the uplifted chest into a relaxed, elongated curve. We never pull the belly in, and a flat stomach is not desirable.

We consider the female “core” as the entire bowed area from breast to pubic bone, and therefore, the best core strengthening exercises work both the abs and the buttocks at the same time. When the body is in the shape described above, internal pressures created by our breath work to bend the pelvic organs toward the lower abdominal wall. A great deal of internal pressure is created simply by standing and breathing, and nature has managed to utilize these dynamics to create an extremely sound pelvic organ support system. The pelvic floor muscles are really only a backstop to this system that relies much more on how the organs and spine are shaped and positioned by the breath. When we are in the correct posture, we can create even more intraabdominal pressure, say by jumping or carrying heavy loads on our head, yet not compromise pelvic organ support. In normal anatomy, the organs are simply pushed down harder against the abdominal wall and away from the pelvic “floor” at the back of the body. However, something like heel jumps in the classic tucked-under spinal shape of Pilates and yoga creates vulnerability for women. The organs are no longer being pinned into position at the front of the body and before long are quite literally blown toward the back.

Chin-ups and pull-ups are fine, as are prone plank exercises because your organs are falling forward into their natural positions. Side plank is more rigorous for women because you are creating a tremendous amount of intraabdominal pressure, yet do not have the benefit of your natural, gravity-born shape to protect your organs. The pelvic organ support system is often conceptualized as a “barrel”, which is quite mistaken. It is more like a parabola really, and the lower abdominal wall *should* receive most of the brunt of intraabdominal pressure. When the belly is pulled in, that pressure has no recourse but to transfer to the pelvic diaphragm.

Aerial pole work is great - as long as you maintain your natural shape. Of course you will need to flatten your lower back sometimes - but always pull back into WW posture. You will not only protect the positions of your organs, but will create a much more aesthetically pleasing look. Humans (and maybe all beings) are instinctively drawn toward the proportions of universal beauty, which exist everywhere in nature - not the least in women who hold their natural shape.

Welcome to Whole Woman!

Christine

We like to say, you can do whatever you want as long as you do it in the right shape. "Core" work seems very aggravating to those prone to prolapse, which stands to reason given the dynamics of pelvic organ support. All we can do is ask you to pay attention to how different movements make you feel. You are your own best judge. The standing baton exercises in the dvd work the dickens out of the abs.

:) Christine