In the activation series there is one exercise starting in the table top position. It makes sense that the external abdominal muscles do not do the work of supporting the spine, but if you aren't squeezing anything, how do you know the innermost ones are doing their job? In the ab rehab series, we are actively pulling them in, so I am having a hard time understanding the difference. Also, I had heard that being in table top can put a lot of strain on the linea alba if you are third trimester or have diastasis. Is this not true?
I really like the activation series and feel warm after the warm up. But I have been experiencing some left lower back discomfort. What may be wrong then? An overactive left hip flexor? I notice I prefer getting up on my right side than left. Thank you for your help!
Hey gf! So you should be able to feel when your TVA is active and turned on. You can check out the "Finding TAs" and "Lower TAs Activation" videos under the 4TM Section - Core Troubleshooting Exercises - for some extra help with that. For both the Ab Rehab moves and these particular exercises you need deep core and external abs fulling activated for full function. Table top is ok as long as you aren't noticing any coning/doming, pain or intolerance :)