exercise machine- ab circle

Body: 

typing one handed- feeding the baby- so no capitals again, sorry!
my dh has once again decided to waste 400 bucks on a piece of exercise equipment he'll use for a week and then forget about (yes, we've been here before!) i don't really want to get on his back about it, i've got enough to nag about already! ;-) so, as the only one in the house who actually exercises, i'm wondering if i can use this machine without sending my insides shooting down into my pants?

http://www.abcircle.com/

it's not that i want a six pack- i just don't like the idea of wasting so much money!

i certainly don't want to worsen my pop- which is basically non existent now as long as i watch what i eat and keep my bowel moving - and i'd like to keep it that way! i've even started to look at it in a positive light- i've had to become healthier, i'm more aware of my body and i take better care of it now. who knows, maybe finding my pop will mean i live longer- wouldn't that be something?
thanks for your thoughts.

Hi Cararosesmum

It is almost hypnotic watching ads for these things. I have never used one, and am not likely to. The posture looks OK, as long as you can maintain the lumbar curve. Yes, I imagine that a 6 pack would result. The only thing that worries me is that the pelvic floor may or may not blown out at the same time, and may or may not get a workout. You would have to try it and see, then report back. Start very gently at first, and note the sensations in your vagina. With your mummy tummy it may be OK because your pelvic organs will be forward in your belly, but as your abdominal muscles become stronger you may lose that protective lower abdominal pozzie and your bladder and uterus may be pushed back. It is still going to be many months until your insides have shrunk back.

Actually, I would check with a women's health physio too.

Louise

That contraption is really funny! I would love to watch my husband use one. and just three minutes a day....
But to be serious- I think you could try it.
But if you gotta get a contraption for an abdominal work out- get the ab roller (the wheel with handles).

Can you do ab work with prolapse? I thought you couldn't. If so, anyone have suggestions for safe exercises?

think that is POP safe? never seen that? (not planning on getting one but curious about what keeps POP in but excercises that area)

I've tried it a few times and it doesn't feel like it's doing my POP any harm- BUT i have a feeling it's just a gimmick and my other (i won't say better!) just wasted 400 bucks! I'll let you know if it does any good for my tummy- or any harm to my POP.

I also have one of these, so glad you asked, because I have wondered about this as well, is it a good thing or a bad thing. I have only had a very short time, but when using it I feel as though the positioning is good and so far everything feels like it is being placed in a good position. Cannot tell yet, but seems to be helping with the POP.

Anyone else out there using this or have good resources for pelvic floor exercises, besides Kegals.

I really think that once you learn to focus automatically on any pressure in the vulva you can do anything that does not generate pressure. If that means altering your posture while using the contraption, to make the pressure feeling go away, then do it.

What you do with your body is in your own hands. I really don't think anything is inherently bad for women with POP, as long as you know when to stop, or can amend the way you use your body during exertion.

Don't let POP stop you from coming to your own conclusions. Stay in control of the movements. Go slow. Don't hurry. Feel something weird? Stop. Assess. Amend. Keep going or stop. It is all in your hands. Your body is pretty tough. It is designed to retain pelvic organs, and can retain pelvic organs if you treat it with respect, and remember at all times that you have a chronic injury which will come back and bit you on the bum if you aggravate it.

Trust your own judgement. Trust your body. Trust yourself.

Ab machines are not my thing, but may be yours.

Best for me, of course are Christine's exercises found on her DVD, that are part dance, and part yoga :) One, two, three, repeat ...

Other than that my exercises are seasonal. I love to walk outdoors in the natural world, canoe in the waters, swim in salt waters, bicycle down the lane on my 'oldie goldie' and, my most recent interest is, as there is so much snow that surrounds me, is to venture off with light weight snowshoes :)