In this episode, we tackle a question that so many tummy tuck patients face once they're cleared for exercise: "What does 'no direct core work' actually mean?" If you’ve ever been told by your surgeon that you can exercise but must avoid direct core work, you're not alone — and you're probably left wondering, what can I actually do then?

We’re breaking down the confusion around this vague advice, unpacking why the definition of 'direct core work' varies so much from one surgeon to the next, and — most importantly — giving you practical strategies to safely build core strength without crossing any post-op boundaries.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✨ Why 'no direct core work' is often misleading — and how to clarify exactly what your surgeon means.

✨ The difference between direct and indirect core exercises — and why some indirect core work can be even more intense than what’s considered direct core work.

✨ How to use progressions — scaling exercises up or down — so you can safely strengthen your core without risking your recovery.

✨ The importance of pressure management — learning how to control intra-abdominal pressure so your core works with you, not against you.

✨ How to advocate for yourself — bringing exercise examples or pictures to your surgeon to get clear guidance.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to Tummy Tuck Talk: Introducing Munira and Lisa
[00:01:15] The Confusion Around 'No Direct Core Work'
[00:03:20] Why Core Work Matters — Even When You're Told to Avoid It
[00:05:50] Direct vs. Indirect Core Exercises: What’s the Difference?
[00:11:40] Why Planks Might Be More Strenuous Than Crunches Post-Op
[00:17:05] How to Safely Progress Your Core Exercises
[00:24:10] Tips for Managing Intra-Abdominal Pressure
[00:27:05] Breaking Down Complex Movements: Squats, Deadlifts, and More
[00:35:00] The Mental and Emotional Side of Core Recovery
[00:39:10] Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Your recovery doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. With the right plan, clear communication with your surgeon, and step-by-step progressions, you can rebuild your core strength safely and confidently.

Resources Mentioned:

Our Tummy Tuck Core Rehab program — guiding you from the first post-op days through advanced core exercises: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

Thanks for tuning in! We're here to support you through every step of your recovery journey.

See you next time!

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

In this episode, we tackle one of the most confusing pieces of advice given to tummy tuck patients when they're cleared to exercise: “Listen to your body.” While it sounds simple, it often leaves you feeling more lost than confident. Why? Because after major abdominal surgery, your body is healing in unfamiliar ways — swelling, numbness, and strange sensations can all cloud your ability to interpret what’s truly happening beneath the surface.

We’re breaking down why “listening to your body” falls short and what you should do instead. This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you safely ease back into exercise, recognize what’s normal (and what’s not), and build a clear plan that moves you forward — without second-guessing every sensation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✨ Why “listen to your body” can be misleading — and how it often adds confusion instead of clarity.
✨ The surprising ways your body responds post-op — from swelling that comes and goes without reason to nerve sensations that feel alarming but are often normal.
✨ How to track and interpret what you’re feeling — so you can confidently tell the difference between typical healing sensations and signs you need to slow down.
✨ The importance of progressive exercise — using step-by-step movements (like burpee progressions!) to rebuild strength safely.
✨ Why a clear recovery plan matters — and how it bridges the gap between “do nothing” and “do everything” once you’re cleared to work out.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Tummy Tuck Talk
[00:13] The Challenge of Post-Op Exercise Clearance
[02:02] Meet Your Hosts: Munira and Lisa
[03:37] The Reality of Post-Tummy Tuck Exercise
[06:24] Understanding Your Body's Signals
[12:20] Practical Tips for Safe Exercise Progression
[15:54] The Importance of Gradual Recovery
[17:42] Final Thoughts and Program Introduction
[28:39] Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Remember, recovery isn’t about pushing through pain or holding back out of fear — it’s about learning to move forward with intention. Each small step you take builds the foundation for greater strength and confidence. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and know that every bit of progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Resources Mentioned:
Our Tummy Tuck Core Rehab program — guiding you from the first post-op days through advanced core exercises: https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

Thanks for tuning in! Recovery is a process, and we’re here to guide you — every step of the way.

See you next time!

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id

Episode 1: The Most Important Thing You Can Do After Your Tummy Tuck

In this episode, we dive into the single most important thing you can do for your recovery after a tummy tuck: core rehab. Whether you're freshly post-op, feeling strong but unsure how to safely return to exercise, or somewhere in between, this episode breaks down why rebuilding your core intentionally is key. We’ll walk you through what happens to your core during surgery, the mental and physical hurdles you might face afterward, and the exact steps you need to take to reconnect, rebuild, and strengthen your core for lasting results.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why core rehab is the most important thing you can do after a tummy tuck — and why it’s not just about the first few weeks of recovery.
• The mental and physical challenges post-op — from feeling disconnected from your core to being either too afraid to move or too eager to jump back into workouts.
• The risks of avoiding core rehab — how fear of “ruining” your surgery can actually lead to poor movement patterns, muscle compensations, and even injury.

Resources Mentioned:

Our Tummy Tuck Core Rehab program — Your step-by-step guide to core recovery!
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/tummy-tuck-core-rehab

PDF Guides:
Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon During Consultations:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/narrowing-down-surgeons

Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Pre-Op:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/getting-a-tummy-tuck

Top Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Post-Op:
https://www.tummytuckrehab.com/had-a-tummy-tuck

Video: How to Return to Exercise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWKuykieAk4&t=334s

Thanks for tuning in! Recovery is a process, and we're here to guide you — one step at a time.

See you next time!

— Munira & Lisa

Love Tummy Tuck Talk!? Help us reach more listeners by rating and reviewing the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Your support means the world — and helps others like you get the guidance they need post-tummy tuck.

You can also follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes packed with practical tips and real talk about recovery and returning to fitness.

Check out more free tummy tuck recovery tips here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehab/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tummytuckrehab

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tummytuckrehab

For all of our post-op programs and resources, head on over to www.tummytuckrehab.com

Audio Track:
Track: Good Times — Ason ID [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Good Times — Ason ID | Free Backgroun...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/good-times-ason-id