Better rib mobility = stronger core

Did you know that rib tension could be impacting your core and pelvic floor function?

Our core is like a tube of toothpaste: too much squeezing from the top down (ie rib gripping and lack of mobility) creates excess pressure out on the abdominal wall and down on your pelvic floor.

If your ribs don’t move well, your diaphragm can’t move well. And your pelvic floor works in sync with your diaphragm to form the foundation of your core.

Restoring lateral and posterior rib expansion, as well as thoracic rotation, are what your core needs to manage pressure and restore optimal function postpartum.

These are 7 poses I love to give clients struggling with rib tension and restricted thoracic mobility:

Child’s Pose back expansion

Cat cow + barrel rolls 

Thread the needle

Side plank with rotation

Teapot breathing

Low lunge with rotation

Supported squat with back expansion

Practice along below, and join me for postnatal yoga every Tuesday and Thursday, 1-2pm, at the Lifecare Centre in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, or join my online postnatal program Restore Your Core + Pelvic Floor. Click here for info and to register your interest.