Core Muscles

[milly]

The trainer in bodypump class regularly says "lock in the core"
What is the best way to achieve this, as I believe it is different technique than just holding in the stomach muscles.

[cassiegose]

I would say simply holding in the stomach muscles as tight as you can should do the trick. I was recently shown how to really suck in the abs (like for a bodybuilding contest pose). I was told to take a deep breath and as youre pushing the breath out really suck the abs in (it almost feels like your pulling your abs in and down at the same time if that makes any sense). Once you get the abs nice and sucked in or "locked to the core" as your trainer often says you can continue breathing but keep those abs in. I wouldn't try this when youre doing an intense class, but I often do it when I'm doing less intense cardio (elliptical) or simply driving in car. Its a great way to work the abs without doing sit-ups. I usually bring in abs and hold for a minute, then relax for a minute, then hold for a minute and so on. abs are usually burning like mad by the time the minute is over!

[swanso5]

what cassie said except i don;t draw in, you need to brace..you're actually weaker when you draw your in regardless of what pilates tells you to do

it does take practice

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