Frequently Asked Questions

Although I prefer to see you on camera, I also appreciate that some people don’t feel comfortable with being in a group setting and observed by others. In this case, I am happy for you to keep your camera off but I cannot take responsibility if you do not follow my instructions correctly.

You will need a phone, tablet, computer or some other device to watch the videos (the bigger the better – connecting to a TV screen is ideal so you can see the movements more clearly). It will also need a speaker so that you can hear the instructions clearly.

There are a few pieces of equipment that you may need for a class (such as a mat, ball or roller). Equipment is noted in each class description.

If you are doing a live class or 1:1 you can set your camera up so I can see you and you can participate in any discussions or activities.

Following the ‘on demand’ class videos means that you are taking responsibility for your own participation and you need to listen to the instructions carefully and fully.  I explain the exercises very clearly and you should be able to follow along safely if you follow my instructions properly. I cannot take responsibility if you choose not to follow my instructions.

Do not push yourself too much too soon after surgery and take time to progress through the levels as described.

Do not start at level 4. This is a high level and you must follow levels 1, 2 and 3 before progressing.

Listen carefully to your body and if you feel any bulging, pressure or pain around your stoma, hernia or any abdominal wounds please reduce the intensity or level of the exercise, reduce the number of repetitions or choose a lower level of class.

If you have any concerns, please book a 1:1 with me and I can assess your technique and answer any questions.

If you have concerns about your stoma or hernia, please speak with your surgeon or stoma nurse.

Yes. Even if you have a parastomal hernia it’s important to exercise for your general health. It’s important to keep moving, maintain muscle mass and stay healthy. There’s even some early research to show that doing clinical Pilates may prevent your hernia from becoming bigger. Read more about that here.

You do need to choose the class level carefully and be sure to listen to your body.

If you have pain or feel a bulging or pressure around your stoma when exercising, then please reduce the intensity or challenge of the exercise or move down a level in the classes.

You can also arrange a 1:1 appointment with me to discuss further. If you have any concerns or have symptoms (blockages or pain), speak to your stoma nurse or surgeon.

Yes! Absolutely. Preparing for surgery is something we call ‘pre-habilitation’ and if you are in a position to do, it will have huge benefits.

Even if you don’t have much time, just learning the basic movements and exercises before your operation is a great idea, so that you’ll know how to do them post-op. Book a 1:1 or try the ‘Level 1 Post Surgery’ classes as preparation, so you know what to do afterwards.

If you have a few weeks before your operation and feel well enough, you can actually make some real muscle strength improvements and prepare your abdominal muscles for surgery, which could improve your outcomes and reduce your risk of hernia. In this case you can try the Level 3 or 4 classes.

It’s never too late. But you do need to start at the beginning with the Level 1/beginner classes, learn how to engage your deep core muscles correctly and learn the basic foundation moves. It might feel a little frustrating initially, but it’s important to build up in a progressive way and perfect your technique.

You’ll soon love feeling stronger and you’ll enjoy the benefits of more confidence and better health and be able to progress to more advanced classes.

This is a common misconception and many people are incorrectly told to avoid abdominal exercises by their medical team.

First, we need to clarify what we mean by ‘abdominal exercises’. Remember your abdominal muscles are not ‘separate’ from your body. Your body is integrated, a bit like a chain. Everything is connected. Every time you move, twist, lift and sit down/stand up, carry, push or pull, you use your abdominal muscles. It’s impossible to move without using your abdominal muscles and core in some way.

So being told not to do abdominal exercises isn’t realistic, or actually the correct advice. Most people instinctively feel they need to strengthen their abdomen again after surgery. It’s a very intuitive and natural desire to strengthen something that feels weak and damaged.

The ASCN (Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK) clinical guidelines (https://ascnuk.com/ state that ‘all patients should do core abdominal exercises starting 3-4 days post-surgery’. This is to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia and to restore function to the abdominal, pelvic floor and core muscles.

However, there are many ways to do abdominal exercises and some are more appropriate than others. And it’s incredibly important to exercise in the right way.

To begin with, you should avoid advanced/strenuous exercises (things like sit ups and planking for example) although you can probably build back up to them in time.

However, a progressive and gentle therapeutic programme to restore function and strength to your abdominal wall, pelvic floor and core should be central to your recovery.

Please show this website to your surgeon and nurse and discuss your plans with them if you’re feeling unsure.

Everyone is different, but (provided you are recovering normally) you can start post-surgery classes around 2-3 weeks after your operation. I like to see people around 10-14 days post surgery where possible.

Please watch the ‘Preparation and Principles’ video (link) and sign up for the me+recovery programme from ConvaTec https://meplus.convatec.co.uk/ which I also developed.  The me+recovery programme is aimed at the immediate post-surgery phase and is available free of charge.

ASCN Clinical Nursing Guidelines state that you should start core abdominal rehab exercises around 3-4 days post-surgery and the exercises in the me+recovery programme show you how to do this.

You may also wish to check with your surgeon or nurse first and show them this site and video links so they can see what you’re planning to do.

The videos are aimed at different abilities and it’s important to select the right level for you. Please read the level descriptions carefully.

Classes are open to anyone (16 and over) who has, or has ever had, stoma surgery or abdominal surgery for any condition or for any reason.

If you want to learn how to move safely and strengthen your body and core muscles in the right way, rebuilding your foundations and strengthening from within, The Ostomy Studio is for you.

Classes and videos are ideal if you want to reduce your risk or parastomal hernia, and they are also appropriate if you have been told (or think you have) a hernia.

There are a wide range of classes suitable for a wide range of abilities, ages and goals. Some are floor-based mat classes and there are a range of ability based videos, so please check you’ve chosen the right level for you.