Great. That's really not much of a gap at all so you should easily be able to strengthen abdominals. look up exercises for strengthening transverse abdominus. Best and easiest way to engage those muscles is to place hands on lower Bally and just say "shh". Out loud. You will feel it tighten, Keep the muscles engaged while you exercise or wash dishes etc.
So glad that the walks are getting easier. Doesn't it mentally make you feel better? I need to exercise in mornings cause then I feel good the whole day. I'm going easier on myself too. Even a little something consistently every day is better then nothing. Sometimes I won't do anything because I don't have 1.5 hrs to commit to an intense workout or yoga class but that's self defeating.
Me: 42 H: 43 Twins age 5 Physically Separated 7/2015
