How do I assess the strength of my connective tissue?

As with measuring the gap discussed in our other article on testing for a diastasis, there is no objective, standardised criteria 

When you test for a diastasis, you are testing for the gap, yes, but you are also (or you should be) assessing all of the following:

• Pain in your back or pubic area
• A soft gap or separation between the 2 parts of the Rectus muscle 
• Any bulging or doming of the abdomen: Feel your pelvic floor – is there any bulging or doming? You’re assessing the depth, how much ‘give’ vs resistance is offered by the tissue as your fingers press down. 
• Do your fingers sink deep into a soft and squishy area… or does it feel firm in the middle when you perform the test? It can sometimes help to have someone take a quick video as you do the test – so you can compare progress visually next time.

As above though, please don’t keep on testing yourself. Do it once, make a note, take a video or a picture… then move on to the program with your whole body in mind. Don’t check again for at least 2 weeks, ideally longer!