It’s been 3 years since my surgery.
I actually forgot the date this year…
and that feels like a big deal.
Because for a long time, it took up a lot of space in my mind.
I felt limited. A bit “broken”.
Like my body had lost something really important.
And to be fair… it kind of did.
I lost around 80% of my abdominal muscles.
I remember crying (a lot!) before surgery because I thought:
how am I going to function (well) without abdominal muscle?
Long story short - you can!
I still have a little bit of core, and a mesh holding everything in. I can create tension, but more importantly I got a PhD in understanding and managing pressure.
There is more to your core than just crunches and ab work. We also don't want to be sucking in and bracing our core tight all the time. Learning good pressure regulation- directing the air- in your (ribcage and pelvis) torso will give you more stability, feel stronger, and keep you moving more fluidly.
Overall, my body adapted.
At first, my back took over (not always in a good way 😅)
But over time, things became more balanced. I prioritised getting solid pressure in my feet, unlocking some hip pains and maintaining strength.
I am not without some acheyness and tightness, but our bodies are far more adaptable than we give them credit for!
Yoga & Mobility with Mel
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I help people move better, feel better, and do life better! Yoga teacher and FRC Mobility Specialist certified.
Online class, in person private classes, and online training courses available. I want to help you be you to move better and be pain free!
05/03/2026
I help women (35+) understand their bodies better and build strength and mobility in a way that actually supports how they move and live.
If you're dealing with:
• chronic tightness
• aches and pains
• postpartum instability
• feeling strong but stiff
It’s often not about stretching more.
It’s about learning how to move and support your body better.
That’s exactly what I help women do.
If you’re curious about working together, swipe through to see the options.
And if something resonates - send me a message and tell me what’s going on with your body.
DM me if you have questions or want help figuring out the best place to start.
✈️After a long flight + days of walking around the UK, my back and SIJ were not happy 😩
My left hip felt wonky, my back was tight, and everything just felt off.
I wanted to post this (sped up) 10-minute routine I did that resolved a lot of pain!
In this short movement sequence, I worked on:
- Asymmetrical hip movements on hands and knees to create balance
- Pelvic mobility and space in the posterior hip + pelvis
- Lengthening through the back of my body and opening the lats
- Breathing from the inside out to expand my left side and improve rotation
- Combining sagittal (front-to-back) and frontal (side-to-side) movements for better control
- Foot pressure, glute + hamstring loading, and hip rotation to take pressure off the SIJ and back
And it worked. I walked pain-free the next few days (even while carrying my daughter around 😅).
So if you’re someone who struggles with lower back pain, SIJ discomfort, or just feeling “stuck” in your hips I get it!
After losing 80% of my abs from a tumor surgery, my back often tries to do all the work.
That’s why I move the way I do, and passionate about helping people to find balance, support, and strength from the inside out.
You don’t need more stretches or crunches, you're not 'broken'… you just need better strategies. 💛