Standing tall, a full breath out and the belly drawn in toward the spine and held while breathing lightly: the drawing-in that NASM's and an NHS core programme start with, which works the deep and internal oblique muscles rather than the six-pack.
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Trunk control family
Stomach vacuum (drawing-in)
Easier option
These tiers compare demands within this family, not universal safety or a mandatory sequence. Load, range, balance and your circumstances can change difficulty. Choose deliberately; pain does not select a progression.
Standing tall, a full breath out and the belly drawn in toward the spine and held while breathing lightly: the drawing-in that NASM's and an NHS core programme start with, which works the deep and internal oblique muscles rather than the six-pack.
DemandEasy
Equipment requiredBodyweight
Muscle focusAbs
The figure gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.
Watch this variation on the 3D figure above: it gets into position, then repeats the movement.
Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.
How to move
Stand tall with the hands on the hips.
Breathe in slowly, then out as far as it goes, drawing the belly in toward the spine.
Hold it for a count while breathing lightly, then release on a breath in.
Form cues
Keep the ribs and shoulders still.
It can be learned lying on the back first.
Practice and cautions
No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.
This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5