A 2023 meta-analysis in The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercise is 1.5x more effective than counselling or leading medications for treating depression and anxiety in some groups. And when it comes to women’s health specifically, there’s growing research supporting exercise as a non-invasive, low-cost tool to regulate hormonal changes across life stages.

If you’ve had a baby, you’ve probably heard this at some point:

For years, new mums were told to avoid crunches at all costs postpartum. But recent research is shifting that mindset — and now, crunches may actually be part of the solution for rebuilding core strength and function after pregnancy, especially if done correctly and at the right time.

“Don’t do crunches after birth — they’ll ruin your core!”

Let’s break down what’s changed, what DRAM is, and why crunches are getting a second chance.