In the spirit of sharing, learning, and exchanging with other health experts, we are happy to welcome a guest expert from Oregon – Bethany Learn, the CEO & Founder of Fit2B Studio. Now for a little Q & A.

Dave: Hi Bethany! Welcome to our Guest Expert Q & A. Can you tell us a little bit about Fit2B Studio and what you do?

Bethany: Thank you for interviewing me, Dave! Fit2B Studio serves a black hole in the fitness industry: Those who are the most inactive and the most “in need” of exercise are also the most fearful of joining a gym. We film non-threatening and non-intimidating exercise routines to place online where busy families, especially house-bound moms, can find fitness fast. I dress in modest attire and utilize safe, simple moves that effectively progress the beginner exerciser into more advanced moves.

Dave: One of the interesting topics that you educate folks about is diastasis recti.  Can you share what diastasis is, why it’s a health concern, and what people can do about it?

Bethany: Diastasis recti is a public health issue that affects men, women and children. It is caused by continuous forward forceful pressure that separates the connective tissue (linea alba) of the outermost rectus abdominus muscles (six pack), internal and external obliques, and the fascia of the transverse abdominus. Diastasis affects the health of the prostate, pelvic floor, lower back, and bowels. The injury is worsened by crunches, situps, full prone planks, and any other activity that causes the belly to bulge, placing further pressure on the injured area. Diastasis is improved by correcting spinal posture and strengthening the transverse abdominus, while discontinuing any exercise where the navel cannot be drawn in without flaring the ribs.

Dave: Lastly, I’ve found several of your articles about diastasis to be very informative and helpful. Where can I refer folks who’d like to learn more?

Bethany: Unfortunately, Dave, many fitness industry experts are blind to this common health issue, failing to check bellies for diastasis before making those bellies worse with the wrong exercises, thus contributing to the growing health issues surrounding it. However, I am working hard to change that by building a worldwide network of diastasis-aware experts so that everyone everywhere can find the help they need.  Here’s a link to the directory.  Fit2B Studio offers a free “Totally Transverse” workout to those who sign up for our newsletter, and we provide a free self-check video.

Dave: Thank you, Bethany.  I wish you continued success with all you do!  Before we end the segment, do you have any quick closing comments you’d like to share?

Bethany: You are welcome, Dave! If I had just 30 seconds with each of your readers, I would say two things: stop doing crunches and check your belly. You could be suffering from a very fixable injury that can be resolved in as few as 6-12 weeks.

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