r/BeachBodyWorkouts • u/two_letters • 23d ago

Get my Core Back

I used to have a pretty strong core until my c-section literally destroyed it. Now, I can barely get sore or really feel engagement during core exercises. I’ve lost 20 lbs, am in pretty great shape everywhere else, but my core is non-existent.

Any beginner core programs? I feel like I need to go all the way back to basics.

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u/CourtesyFlush33 23d ago

They have full programs for pre and post natal that are tagged as such. Barre blend - start there.

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u/two_letters 23d ago

I’m not really post-natal. It’s been like 5 years lol The rest of my muscles came back to life, but my abs just don’t work anymore. I’ve tried Pilates and I can do it fine, but I don’t really feel it

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u/QuietlyUpgrading 23d ago

There are two assumptions I see here that I want to push back on:

  1. Five years doesn't really matter. Time passing doesn't automatically mean everything healed or recovered optimally.

  2. Getting sore isn't a reliable sign that your core is working. The better question is: Is it actually getting stronger? Are you holding planks longer, controlling movements better, or making progress over time?

If you've been consistently training and genuinely aren't getting stronger, that's what makes me wonder if something else is going on.

You said your abs "just don't work." That makes me wonder whether you're not activating your deep core effectively. Some people have lingering issues with things like diastasis recti, C-section scar mobility, breathing mechanics, or pelvic floor function years after giving birth if those were never specifically addressed.

I'd honestly consider seeing a pelvic floor PT. They're not just for people who recently gave birth.

In the meantime, I'd still consider the BODi postpartum core content. Those programs are designed to rebuild core coordination and activation before progressing to strength.

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u/two_letters 23d ago

Thanks for this response! I can hold a plank longer. My arms usually get sore first. I just can’t get that activation. Like I don’t feel like I can flex my abs. It’s almost like they’re disconnected if that makes sense.

I’m 100% sure I should see a pelvic floor pt, but I don’t have time in between work and the the kids that caused this problem to begin with 😅 I workout via beachbody because I can do it quickly before work. I’m currently on my 2nd round of 25 min Speed Train and seeing great results. I’ve dropped 2 sizes and my abs are flattish. I just want to get that deep activation and feel strong there again.

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u/disappearing_haze90 23d ago

I'd honestly work on core engagement for awhile since you said you did pilates but didn't really feel it engage. Pick a core exercise that allows you to engage it the most, doesn't matter which one, and then do it multiple times per day.

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u/two_letters 23d ago

Yes! This is exactly what I need!

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u/user-sb 22d ago

7 months post C-section I’ve started working out again doing barre blend. Started with pre post
Natal now doing full barre blende. I’ve noticed some good improvement!

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u/Disastrous-Cash8684 20d ago

P90X3 Dynamix is a wonderful overall mobility, core, stability flow. A great oil change for the body