Diastasis Rehab Testimonials for the Tupler Technique®

As long as I can remember, I have had a diastisis recti as an adult. At the time of my wedding in 1974 I had lost weight due to nerves and looked cadaverous, but I still had a protruding belly. After bearing three children and carrying my pregnancies all out front (I’m short-waisted), I very definitely had a mummy tummy and nothing I did, no exercises, no amount of weight loss seemed to make a difference including 5 months of pelvic physical therapy with a hand-held splint in which my separation closed one fingers’ width but would budge no further. In April my chiropractic neurologist suggested that I try the Tupler Technique®. His wife had just begun the program herself after the birth of their 2nd child. At 62 ½, I was skeptical about achieving the promised results. The DVD cover says “For moms of any age – no matter when you had a baby,” but my last baby was born 29 ½ years ago. I really didn’t believe it in my heart, but speculated that even if I didn’t lose my mummy tummy, the exercises alone would be good for my health. I decided to commit to the program 100%. Fortunately I live within an hour’s drive of two different licensees of the Tupler Technique®. I chose Cheryl strictly due to the fact that she was closer to my age and might be a bit more understanding and I also was drawn to her from her personal information on the website. I’m so very thankful I did that because Cheryl helped correct my technique errors, was able to accurately assess the width and depth of my separation (it was hard to do on my own), provided additional exercise information and was encouraging throughout the program. On my second visit to Cheryl 4+ weeks into the program, as she was assessing my progress she exclaimed, “You have definition!” Still makes me smile when I recall that and it was exactly what I needed to give me the impetus to keep at it.

By 11 weeks, my diastases had completely closed! My waist is 3” smaller than when I began (I have simultaneously lost 6 pounds due to being on a low carb diet by doctor’s orders, but that small amount wouldn’t create these results.) I now wear I size I have NEVER worn in my entire life although I weigh approximately what I always weighed during the 25+ years I reared my children. I would encourage anyone, and I mean ANYONE of ANY age to commit to this program for your own well-being and strength. 11 years ago I was paralyzed and fought my way back to being able to walk by faithfully following my doctors’ and physical therapists’ instructions. This is no different. And the core strength that I’ve gained from following the Tupler exercises has helped me with some residual problems that I still experience from that auto-immune disorder. It is worth the time commitment big-time! I’d also strongly suggest that anyone new to the program set up some sessions with a professional who is licensed in the Tupler program. My exercise time would not have been nearly as fruitful since my technique was not correct. I am still startled every time I look down and don’t see what I’ve lived with my entire adult life. Thanks, Julie! Thanks, Cheryl!

Thank you again for designing this program. You have not only made a physical difference in my body but an emotional difference by giving me my self confidence back. I've never been happier with my figure." :)

I took the on-line class in April and am thrilled to report my diastasis is now closed!! I am 11 weeks in to the program now and will definitely continue to 18 weeks. Can never thank you enough for this—a dream come true to have a flat stomach after 7 pregnancies!!

I am writing because I just started the program. I have just finished my 6th day and although the road ahead will be a long one, I am determined to heal my body. I wanted to show you the astounding difference in my body in just six days. I can still see in the mirror exactly where my separation is but the size of my belly has been reduced dramatically in such a short time. It truly gives me hope that I will be able to heal the connective tissue and close my diastasis. I think it is terrible that more ob/gyn's do not alert patients to this possible side effect of pregnancy. For years my inner voice kept telling me something wasn't right. All the exercising,dieting etc. I am down to 100 pounds, you can see my ribs, yet there I was looking several months pregnant all the time. When you talk about people think you are being neurotic and vain basically. I am so grateful that I found the support I need to heal my body. I just wish I had listened to my inner voice years ago. I can only imagine what 6 weeks, 12 weeks and then 18 weeks will bring! Thank you.

I owe you a great deal of gratitude for helping me transform my abdominals, get rid of back pain and finally feel comfortable with my body. After 3 children and consistent exercise I could not get rid of my protruding belly button, lower back pain and still looked like I was 2-3 months pregnant. For years I didn’t know that I had a ventrical hernia and a very large diastasis and continued to do exercises that made the situation worse. When I was diagnosed and then discovered there was a way to correct it without surgery, I gave the Tupler Technique® a try. Within three weeks my belly button went in and after 6 months the connective tissue is stronger. I am a big believer in exercise and what you taught me will be a part of my life forever. I’m even doing my transverse contractions as I type.

Thank you.

My wife, Karla, is enjoying your book and is making excellent progress 2-3 weeks into your program. Her separation has gone from a 5 finger space to a 2 finger finger separation; also her "outy" belly button has gone back to an "iny." This program is a wonderful dream come true!!!!!!

IT IS TRULY AMAZING - For more than 25 years, I had regular mid back pain, ranging from slight to severe. About two years ago, my SI joint upslipped and rotated. Through physical therapy I had been able to manage it-but it would be OK for a week or maybe two and then it upslipped and or rotated and the pain returned. I would get it adjusted and a week of two later, it upslipped and/or rotated and I needed it adjusted again. Sitting was the worst, so I often brought a mat with me so I could lie down rather than sit. I dreaded car rides and airplane rides. >And then, six weeks, ago, I started the Tupler Course at Forward Physical Therapy. My first class was the day before I flew to NY and Italy for a three week vacation. I almost did not go on this trip because I feared what all the flying and driving would do to my back. But I did my exercises, wore by Tupler splint, and lo and behold, despite flights, car rides, and no visit to the physical therapist, I HAD NO PAIN! I could not believe it. My mid back pain is now rare and mild and my SI joint remains level and I have no lower back pain. And my stomach is getting smaller, but that is just a bonus. It is the virtual end of back pain problems that had made me a believer in the Tupler method.

My name is Julián Bonnet, I’m 30 years old and I live currently in Puerto Rico. I have been a working in the health and fitness industry for 10 years. The last 4 years of my life have been very challenging. Even though my focus has been on core and biomechanical awareness, I started to suffer with back pain from pelvic misalignment. I changed my strengthening and stretching routines as well as started meditating and eating healthier. Nothing worked. I started to visit many doctors and got all different types of diagnosis.I ended up having a left sacroiliac fixation surgery 2 years ago to correct my sacroiliac joint dysfunction. After the surgery I felt a great improvement, but I still was not 100%. I continued physical therapy but had the feeling something else was going on with my body. I started to research a solution on the internet and found out that I had a severe Diastasis Recti. Since I didn’t know that was possible to heal a big separation, I started to call and visit many Plastic Surgeons who all confirmed my diagnosis. I could not afford surgery, so I continued to search for alternative options. I found the Tupler Technique. I immediately bought the Diastasis Rehab men’s package and started the program. I start to see remarkable results after 2 weeks following the program. I start to get confidence and I did movements that I was not supposed to do and opened it up again. After doing the program three times, I finally committed to do the program exactly as I was supposed to do it for 18 weeks. I finished the 18 weeks and was able to close my diastasis and develop a strong transverse muscle. My back pain is now gone and my pelvis is able to stay in alignment. I’m very satisfied and grateful for the Tupler Technique program. To maintain my results, I have reduced the sets the contracting exercise to 5 sets of 100 per day and continue doing 3 sets of 30 head lift in the morning and the same in the evening. I recommend this program to everyone with or without a diastasis. I am now thinking about becoming a Licensee in the future. My statistics and photos are posted on the website also.

I want to thank you so much for helping me to overcome my diastasis disorder. I am 64 years old, 6 ft. 1 in height, 185 pounds and have maintained a good physical condition all my life. But I was bothered that in recent years, I could not maintain a relatively flat stomach. I felt that I might be carrying some extra fat in the tummy area that exercise and diet could not remove, so I decided to try smart lipo to remove the fat. Much to my chagrin after the procedure, my stomach pooch was even more pronounced. The doctor who did the procedure referred me to a surgeon who diagnosed me with diastasis. He said he could help me by treating it as a hernia and described the procedure and healing process. I decided not to go that route. I started researching diastasis online and came across Julie Tupler Technique® and decided to give it a try. I started wearing the splints on September 19 and also began the exercises the same date. I was totally amazed at the immediate results. My measurements upon starting were a midsection of 38 inches with 35 inches around the belly button area. The diastasis was approximately four fingers in width. I have photos showing the "before" measurements taken by my doctor on September 16. The "after' pictures were taken by the surgeon on October 3. The doctor and her staff were overwhelmed by the drastic change in only six weeks. Six weeks after starting the process, my current measurements are 35 inch midsection and 34 inches around the belly button area. The diastasis has been reduced to approximately one finger in width. Hopefully, in a few weeks, the diastasis will be totally healed. Thanks again for developing your rehab technique for diastasis. I might even try going on the beach again!"

I was diagnosed with a diastasis recti by my GP after I noticed a painless lump in my abdomen and a change in the overall shape of my mid section. I had been attending the gym regularly for the past 8 months and it had turned out that I had injured myself over exerting whilst doing a series of ab exercises. I was told by my GP that there was nothing that could be done to repair the damage and that it was something I would have to live with. After seeing such good results from my training at the gym, I was upset to hear that, so I decided to do a bit of research to find out a bit more about diastasis recti (DR). Julie's name kept appearing and her results seemed excellent so I decided to contact her. I ordered the splint and dvd and had regular skype sessions with her to track my progress. I have been amazed with the results! After following the program for only 6 weeks I had already started to notice the difference - I had not been to the gym and was not doing any exercise other than what Julie's program had prescribed! I have now started going back to the gym and I am incorporating what I have learned with her program in my own training and I am continuing to see improvements - I will certainly never be doing a crunch again and given the results I've had from Julie's program I can honestly say that I will never need to! I can't say thank you enough to Julie for her help and for the quality of the program - thank you!" 

"I had been diagnosed with a diastasis recti from my Primary years ago and was told the only way to fix it was cosmetic surgery. I am 5’11 and am in reasonably good shape but always had the big belly. Both my parents had big midsections but otherwise fairly proportioned body types so I assumed I was predisposed to my situation. I was researching ‘diastasis recti’ on the PC and came across the ‘Tupler Technique’. I being the skeptic googled about and decided for all accounts and purposes, I had nothing to lose. I tested myself for diastasis and found I had the ‘football ridge’ down my midsection. Was I ever surprised that within a week, I indeed was a loser! I lost 3 pounds and an inch across my chest from following the program! This is not a weight loss program yet a way of measuring progress is made thru weekly measurements. As you strengthen your core and essentially keep you insides ‘in’ by wearing the splint as directed, you tend to eat less and work off some of your midsection almost without awareness. After 6 weeks, the pictures tell the story. I also lost 14 pounds as well. I just followed the ‘6 week support’ program to make sure I was doing everything correct and plan on following it for the entire 18 weeks. I will add I was true to the program and didn’t exercise or change my diet.

Best Wishes and Good Luck if you decide to join the program. In my book it’s a Win, Win."

"Hi Julie, I just wanted to thank you for developing this technique. I was dubious at first as to how effective it could really be, but all I can say is WOW. I am in Week 4 of the technique and my stomach is already flatter than it's been in at least 20 years! I used to also suffer from lower back pain and that is completely gone since Week 1. Thank you so much!"

I believe it to be working well. Seems like the diastasis is back together and now I am just waiting for it to heal. I can tell you that it has made a massive difference in my health not having the belt overhang. My back and digestion have greatly improved. In addition my arthritis in the knees have virtually went away. I think my body alignment is much better and my balance has returned to very good. I thought that all the pain and discomfort was just age related but it was really because I had just let myself decline. Thanks to you I am on the road to better health." 

Well I finally got to the end of week 18 of the program.

First off I would like to thank you for making this program possible.I had abdominal hernia surgery about 7 years ago and about 3 years ago was diagnosed with a diastasis which I’m sure I had when I had the surgery.I believe my diastasis was caused by improper exercise with a trainer.I then proceeded with physio therapy at home and a fitness Center.The exercises and program they told me to do actually made it worse.

I found your site on the internet and decided to give it a try.I could not have been more happy with the results.This program does require a commitment ad a physical effort but it will close a diastasis.I believe the Tupler Techique is the only program that would get these results.The medical doctors and therapists should be aware of that to help people that have this condition

I intend to continue the program to maintain my results.During the 18 weeks my belly button measurement went from 43.5 inches to 39.5 inches and I believe I have closed my diastasis.I am 65 years old and weigh about 192 lbs which is the same as when I stated the program.I am about 10 lbs over my usual weight mainly caused by pandemic isolation but my belly looks normal again.

I will send you my before and after photos.

Thank you again Julie.I really feel good.

Terry from Saskatchewan ,Canada

"Just a note to thank you for preparing me both physically and mentally for the “marathon of labor” as you call it. I started late in my pregnancy but the “Tupler Technique” abdominal exercises I learned for pushing and to prevent back problems really worked in labor. I don’t think Flynn could have been brought into the world with twenty minutes of pushing without them. Understanding how to push with a strengthened transverse muscle while relaxing the pelvic floor muscles gave me that mind body connection so necessary in pushing. I feel my recovery was also faster thanks to your program. I have referred and will continue to refer women to the Maternal Fitness® Program."

“I started working with Julie Tupler and Maternal Fitness® in my fifth month of pregnancy. I found that I was developing debilitating biomechanical problems: I couldn’t walk without pain, my sciatic nerve was killing me, I had trouble carrying anything that weighed more than five pounds. Furthermore, after 20 years of serious running and participation in many sports, the lack of exercise was also making me depressed. When I told my doctors about these problems, they shrugged their shoulders. I thought it would be easy for me to find an appropriate exercise program, but there really weren’t many options out there. I finally learned of Maternal Fitness® from a massage therapist who specializes in pregnant women. I began seeing Julie once a week for almost 5 months. It was a relief to get an all-body workout, to strengthen the muscles that were particularly stressed by my changing body. Julie tailored the workout to my strengths and weaknesses. At the end of every session, she would do 15 minutes of massage and relaxation. I soon found that my biomechanics were back to normal and that I could walk and go about my business without pain. We also worked on preparing the muscles that would be most important during the actual childbirth. I worked with Julie on my transverse muscles and practiced breathing properly. When I did go into labor, the work paid off. At just over an hour, my doctor assumed that I must be too tired to continue doing three sets of ten pushes at a time. When she asked if I wanted to go down to two sets, I told her that I’d prefer t move up to four! The baby was born soon after. My doctor was impressed by how strong I was. I think the Maternal Fitness Program is an excellent combination of exercise, education and relaxation. Taking part in the program was one of the best decisions I made. I attribute my good recovery from childbirth to the fact that I maintained optimal fitness during my pregnancy." 

It is with the greatest of pleasure and enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Julie Tupler. I gained thirty five pounds during my pregnancy. Nevertheless, the day after I delivered my son, my stomach had totally sprung back into shape and was TOTALY flat. Frankly, I’m convinced that my stomach was not only flat, but in many ways firmer than before I got pregnant. Although I was concerned about losing my figure when I got pregnant, my appearance was not foremost in my mind when I contacted Julie. I had heard that exercising during pregnancy helped make your pregnancy and delivery easier. For this reason, I hunted all over New York for a prenatal exercise program. After attending several different classes, and meeting one on one with all the prenatal gurus, I was extremely discouraged. From the little reading I had done on exercise during pregnancy, I could see that not one of these programs offered an exercise regime that was safe for my baby and myself. Then along came Julie. Julie was a lifesaver for me because not only did she give me a strenuous workout, but all her exercises were safety conscious. It should go without saying that a pre-natal trainer would have safety on their mind, but having met with many of them, I can tell you that Julie is unique in this aspect. As far as the results of Julie’s program, I was extremely pleased. I experienced no backaches, or other aches and pains during my pregnancy. I had a very quick and easy labor and delivery. Most surprising of all, I was definitely in the best shape of my life when I delivered my son. Every inch of my body, except for my stomach, was the firmest it has even been. Quite an accomplishment that Julie got me into this shape while I was pregnant and the exercises we could do were limited! And as I said earlier in this note, Julie made my stomach incredibly strong. I’m convinced; that this stomach strength is what aided my delivery and made my stomach so incredibly tight the day after delivering! I could go on forever singing Julie’s praises. I would highly recommend her as a pre-natal trainer. 

"Dear Julie,

Thank you so much for the wonderful classes! I had a great, drug-free labor and delivery. Before the birth my doctor kept telling me ‘anything could happen” and that all the preparation in the world would not necessarily make much of a difference. Little did he know I had an amazing and powerful birth experience and I owe it to you. The transverse work kept me strong and comfortable during the pregnancy, and made pushing more productive. During the pushing phase both my doctor and nurse told me to bear down—which I did for a few pushes. However, it seemed more “natural” to do the exhalation pushing. I was able to squat for the delivery …and it made a big difference. At first I was laying back and the baby kept hovering between +1and -1. Once I started squatting the baby made significant progress in the birth canal and was born shortly after. I pushed for 45 minutes and felt great. Within a few hours after the birth I was working the transverse and doing Kegels. Everyone was amazed at how quickly I got back in shape. I was back in my jeans about three weeks after the birth. I am telling all my friends about you. Thank you and keep up the good work".

“I just wanted to thank you for creating this program. I had a baby 3 weeks ago and it went really well because of my great transverse muscles! Last spring I took your 1 day continuing education class for professionals (which I greatly enjoyed) and last summer became pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy I continued to teach aerobics (modified) and used the Tupler Technique® exercises daily (even taught them to my students, even though we weren’t doing prenatal aerobics). I worked out up until the baby was born, and even though the birth didn’t go as planned, I was able to push out my 10 pound baby boy in 12 minutes! The doc was saying “hold your breath” and I was too busy exhaling to tell her NO WAY (she stopped telling me to hold my breath when she saw how effective my pushes were.) She had settled in for a long night of labor, but the baby popped out after just a few rounds of pushes. Despite the epidural, I was still able to use the techniques I had practiced and didn’t spend hours pushing. Maternal Fitness® was very helpful. Thank you so much..” 

I just wanted to let you know that I had by baby girl on Tuesday. She weighed 7 lbs 5 ozs and is totally healthy and amazing. I had a great labor, exactly the way I’d envisioned it: no IV, no epidural, no drugs whatsoever, no episiotomy, etc. It lasted 7 hours, with the pushing only taking 23 minutes. I wanted to thank you for your program, and let you know that the pushing was the best part of the labor—I felt empowered and really prepared. My sister said I didn’t even break a sweat! Now I am back to doing my kegals and ab work—and you could never tell that I just had a baby. Keep teaching!" 

"Julie, Great news! You would not believe it but the surgeon has determined there is no longer any medical reason for surgery! I was scheduled to go under the knife three days ago and the doctor - who hasn't seen me since Dec, couldn't believe the changes. There is still a small hernia, visible to the naked eye, but we can't make it pop in or out the way a hernia should so the doctor thinks it's not worth undergoing surgery at this point. I'm not sure I communicated this before, but when I saw him in Dec. he recommended a repair including 5" of mesh! Now the area surrounding the defect is so tight that if we did surgery, we would need a teeny circle of mesh, less than an inch. Thanks so much for teaching me how to tighten my transverse. Your exercises have changed everything. As I mentioned before, I've lost 1 1/2 inches off my waist, I've noticeably toned my abs and I don't have to have a surgery that was supposed to lay me up for 2 weeks and prevent me from lifting my son of 6! I'm eternally grateful and a total convert to the cult of Julie. Best wishes."

“Before using the Tupler Technique® program created by Julie Tupler, RN, I suffered with a large diastasis recti, an umbilical hernia that needed surgical repair, back pain, constipation despite eating a plant based diet. and other symptoms. My results using her program are nothing short of amazing. After 18 weeks of using her program, my diastasis is nearly closed, my umbilical hernia is gone and no longer requires surgery, my back pain is almost non-existent, and my bowels are regular. The program requires persistence and discipline to achieve the kind of results I did, but is well worth the effort. Diastasis recti is an under addressed medical problem in the medical community. Julie Tupler, RN has created a program that addresses this over looked medical issue and creates lasting results for people. I strongly recommend her program to anyone suffering with the effects of diastasis recti. It will change your life.

“Hi Julie,

I wanted to update you with my wonderful news. I visited the hernia surgeon at NYU and have been told I do not need the hernia surgery to repair the umbilical cord hernia. It’s gone! As you can imagine, I’m absolutely over the moon and cannot thank you enough for your knowledge and support. I’m so thrilled. The surgeon had said that she’s never seen anything like and would love you as a resource for her patients. I’ve forwarded your details to her. Thanks!"

“Diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, I was faced with two options: live with the pain or undergo surgery. Looking for another, more natural option, I contacted the staff at Tupler Technique®. The staff answered all my questions and told me that the Tupler Technique® could help me. When I did decide to begin the program, I was shocked to see that after two weeks my hernia receded about 80%! I contacted the staff at Tupler Inc. again and was told that continuing the program would help my connective tissue heal. My belly has gotten flatter and I can feel my abdominals getting stronger. I would tell anyone to try this technique! I’m glad I was able to avoid surgery and find a natural healing technique that works! Thank you so much for your help!”