As summer approaches, the pressure to “get your abs back” ramps up—but is that really what core strength is about? In this episode, I share my personal journey of rediscovering core stability after pregnancy, including the surprising connection between weak abs, hip pain, and posture issues.

You’ll learn:

• Why “abs-only” workouts miss the point

• What the core actually includes—and why it matters

• How the pelvic floor fits into the bigger picture, especially postpartum

• Scientific findings on core stability and injury prevention

• The role of a strong, balanced core in motherhood, movement, and professional presence

Whether you’ve had kids recently or years ago—or are just looking to feel stronger and more at ease in your body—this episode will inspire you to shift from chasing appearances to building lasting, bodyful strength.

💬 Mentioned in the episode:

• Diastasis recti & postpartum considerations

• Sacroiliac joint tension & movement patterns

• Breath, posture & body language at work

More resources at www.bodyfulminds.com or follow on Instagram @bodyful_minds.

References:

References

1. Akuthota, V., Ferreiro, A., Moore, T., & Fredericson, M. (2008). Core stability exercise principles. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 7(1), 39–44.
   https://doi.org/10.1097/01.CSMR.0000308663.13278.69

2. Kibler, W. B., Press, J., & Sciascia, A. (2006). The role of core stability in athletic function. Sports Medicine, 36(3), 189–198.
   https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200636030-00001

3. Chang, W. D., Lin, H. Y., & Lai, P. T. (2015). Core strength training for patients with chronic low back pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(3), 619–622.
   https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.619

4. Granacher, U., Gollhofer, A., Hortobágyi, T., Kressig, R. W., & Muehlbauer, T. (2013). The importance of trunk muscle strength for balance, functional performance, and fall prevention in seniors: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 43(7), 627–641.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0041-1

5. Tong, T. K., Wu, S., Nie, J., Baker, J. S., & Lin, H. (2014). The occurrence of core muscle fatigue during high-intensity running exercise and its limitation to performance: The role of training. PLoS ONE, 9(2), e89550.
   https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089550

6. Bø, K., & Hilde, G. (2013). Does it work in the long term?—A systematic review on pelvic floor muscle training for female stress urinary incontinence. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 32(3), 215–223.
   https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.22292