Hi, I'm AJ, creator of Ab-Ribbon. I am thrilled that you are here! The Ab-Ribbon was born from a simple idea: helping my clients connect every breath to their core during functional movement. In the early days, I used satin ribbons tied around the base of the ribcage to give clients tactile feedback for optimizing core strength. This gentle pressure helped them feel their breathing core more effectively, and experience the calming benefits of controlled, elongated exhales. Clients consistently reported leaving sessions feeling stronger, more core-connected, and more relaxed.

However, tying a satin ribbon before every workout wasn’t practical—and the lightweight material didn’t provide enough proprioceptive feedback. One of my well-known postpartum clients, Amy Schumer, famously sent me a cease-and-desist letter about the “inhumane act” of tying a ribbon around her ribs [it was a joke!!]. Ironically, the combination of using a ribbon and my breathing method feedback helped her recover from back pain after pregnancy.

During my Broadway career as a singer and dancer in Mamma Mia, I visited New York’s garment district daily to find the ideal material—something with the perfect amount of weight, durability, and comfort. After years of experimentation, client testing, and countless prototypes, Ab-Ribbon was created. The goal was simple: make effective breath + core training accessible and affordable for everyone.

Many of the first users were postpartum clients who needed strong, reliable feedback to help re-establish core awareness after birth. Ab-Ribbon provided instant guidance, helping them breathe more calmly and activate the core more effectively—a huge support system during the challenging postpartum phase when it can be difficult to "feel" the abdominals without tactile feedback.

Fifteen years, ten prototypes, and countless client successes later, Ab-Ribbon is now used by a wide range of people: postpartum women, athletes, singers, dancers, older adults, beginners, and advanced exercisers. Anyone can benefit from better awareness of the Breathing Core during movement.

A special thank-you goes to my mom, who hand-sewed the earliest versions before a sewing machine was available to help me with my dream.

Today, Ab-Ribbons are used to increase deep core and breathing awareness during walking, running, postpartum recovery, pilates, functional training, and activities of daily living. My customers report feeling stronger, more stable, and more balanced in their nervous systems than ever before. After you join Ab-Ribbon family, you will receive free programs from me as a thank you. I look forward to working with you!

Warmly,

AJ

What is the Ab-Ribbon?

The Ab-Ribbon is a tactile breathing-core training tool designed to help you feel and activate your deep core muscles through gentle external feedback. It’s lightweight, non-elastic, and wraps around your ribs/torso to guide proper breathing and core engagement during movement.

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How does the Ab-Ribbon work?

It gives you immediate sensory feedback every time you inhale and exhale. This helps retrain your breathing mechanics, strengthen your deep core, and improve posture and stability during both exercise and daily activities.

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What does the Ab-Ribbon help with?

The Ab-Ribbon improves core activation, breathing efficiency, posture, spinal stability, movement control, and overall body awareness. It enhances workouts and everyday movement by teaching your body how to engage the core correctly.

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Can the Ab-Ribbon improve core strength?

Yes. By helping you consistently activate the deep core (TVA, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and obliques), it promotes real strength gains that translate to better stability and performance.

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Does the Ab-Ribbon help with posture?

Absolutely. Because it guides proper rib positioning and breathing patterns, it naturally encourages a more aligned, upright posture without forcing or bracing.

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Is the Ab-Ribbon helpful for postpartum recovery?

Yes. It was originally developed for postpartum clients to help reconnect to their deep core and rebuild strength safely. It supports gentle core activation without strain and can complement diastasis recti recovery.

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Can the Ab-Ribbon help with nervous system calming or stress reduction?

Yes. Slower, more intentional breathing supported by the ribbon stimulates the diaphragm, activates the vagus nerve, and promotes a parasympathetic (calming) response.

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Who should use the Ab-Ribbon?

Anyone who wants better core strength, posture, breathing, and movement control. It is beneficial for beginners, athletes, dancers, postpartum clients, older adults, and people returning to exercise after injury.

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Is the Ab-Ribbon good for beginners?

Yes. It requires no fitness level or prior experience. It simply teaches your body how to breathe and engage the core correctly.

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Is the Ab-Ribbon only for postpartum clients?

No. While postpartum users love it, the Ab-Ribbon is effective for all ages and fitness levels because it trains foundational breathing-core mechanics that everyone needs.

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Can athletes and advanced users benefit from the Ab-Ribbon?

Definitely. Even highly trained movers often compensate with superficial muscles. The ribbon reinforces deep core activation, improves efficiency, and enhances power transfer in athletic movements.

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Can I use the Ab-Ribbon during everyday activities like walking or sitting?

Yes — it’s designed for all-day wear. You can use it during workouts, sitting at a desk, walking, house chores, or any moment you want to reinforce core awareness.

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How do I wear the Ab-Ribbon correctly?

Wrap it around your ribcage or lower torso and tie it snugly enough to feel your breath expand into it, but not so tight that it restricts breathing. You should feel a gentle cue, not compression.

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How tight should the Ab-Ribbon be?

It should be lightly snug — just enough to feel your inhale expand outward and your exhale draw the ribs inward. It should never feel restrictive or uncomfortable.

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Can I wear the Ab-Ribbon all day?

Yes. Many people wear it during daily movement or while working to reinforce healthy breathing and posture habits.

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Do I need other equipment to use the Ab-Ribbon?

No. It works on its own as a feedback tool, but you can also pair it with strength training, Pilates, mobility work, or functional movement for added benefit.

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Is the Ab-Ribbon safe to use during workouts?

Yes — it enhances workout quality by helping you engage the core consistently and avoid compensations that can lead to injury.

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What exercises can I pair with the Ab-Ribbon?

It integrates well with Pilates, strength training, mobility work, HIIT, postpartum rehabilitation, athletic conditioning, walking, and functional exercise patterns.

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How do I clean and care for the Ab-Ribbon?

Hand wash or gentle-cycle wash with mild detergent. Air dry only. Avoid bleach or high heat.

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What size Ab-Ribbon should I choose?

The ribbon is one universal length that ties comfortably around most bodies. Adjust the tension based on your breathing and comfort.

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Can the Ab-Ribbon help reduce back pain?

Many users report reduced lower-back discomfort because the ribbon teaches proper core activation, supports spinal alignment, and prevents over-arching or bracing.

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How does the Ab-Ribbon support diaphragmatic breathing?

The gentle pressure cue helps you breathe lower and deeper, directing air into the diaphragm rather than lifting the shoulders. This improves breath control and oxygen efficiency.

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Will the Ab-Ribbon help me strengthen my deep core or TVA?

Yes. It improves awareness and recruitment of the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor, which creates true internal stability.

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Can older adults use the Ab-Ribbon safely?

Yes. It’s low-intensity, accessible, and enhances balance, stability, posture, and breath control — all of which are especially beneficial as we age.

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Does the Ab-Ribbon help improve movement efficiency?

Yes. With consistent use, your core engages more naturally, reducing energy waste and helping your movements feel smoother, stronger, and more controlled.