Getting abs back in shape

Hi, does anyone have advice for the best way to get our abs back in shape? I'm almost 6 wks post TAH, Doc says I can do anything I want as long as it doesn't hurt. I've been doing the (wonderful!) pelvic floor and kegel exercise from Michelle Conway (referenced on this site), but am now starting to think about getting back to crunches and weights. Has anyone found anything that really starts to strengthen the abs before launching back into crunches. Are planks good or bad? Thanks!

I don't know if there's any one thing that's entirely good or bad -- I think the key is to just go slow and easy at first, and be instantly ready to stop if it feels off. Regarding the planking, just try super-short ones at first, and wait to see how you feel. And don't wait fifteen seconds -- really do super-short ones and then wait a day or so to see if you get any pulling or uncomfortable sensations. Then, extend it by five seconds and wait to see how you feel. Then, another five seconds. If you feel ANY discomfort, back off.

The key really is to go slow and give your body time to let you know how it's doing. You want to be able to back off in time to prevent problems, not after you feel something go "twang" in your abdomen and double over. Go slow and gradual, and listen to your body the whole time, and you should step yourself back up to your former activity level.

Thanks I was wondering too!

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful. I'm also finding that doing push-ups on my knees (i.e. a half push up) is working well. Doesn't hurt at all, but I can feel it beginning to engage my abs.

Getting there!!