Abs and Strengthening Your Core

Strong abdominal muscles are important. However, our obsession with getting a six pack or washboard abs is a show of superficial strength, rather than proof of deep core muscles.

Abdominal muscles are connected to breath, the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. It is more important to be aware of breath than it is to be able to flex those outer muscles.

I have watched people do gym abs, or pilates and still miss the mark.

If you pay attention to your breath and your spine while you are engaged in anything that requires your core, you can access enormous strength, balance and ease in your movements.

Oftentimes we think crunches or leg lifts or planks are the way to abs. And for sure these movements utilize the core, but the true benefits are really in the awareness you have as you do them.

It is not enough to lift and lower your legs.

Alignment, rest, engagement and breath are everything.

Your body thrives when you let it breath. Posture must allow easy and fluid breath.

In order to pay attention to breath and alignment it is necessary to slow down.
This might be the greatest challenge of all.

Take time to set up. Find rest in the bones. Engagement in the core and from the extremities. Feel the breath. The spine. Allow tension to drop away.

Then, one can play with those stabilizing muscles through any movement, or any sustained posture.
As long as breath stays alive the posture and body are renewed by that inner movement.

In order to understand the body, the breath, and abdominal strength you must stop thinking and talking about them and really start to feel them.

Inner strength is something you feel; something you tap into.

So the main thing really is to practice. Develop awareness.
Slow down. Look within.

It is more important to be accurate. It is quality over quantity.
Doing a bit of mat work everyday ensure your body stays strong and healthy.

Anyone can start a practice. Any age. Any stage.
Reach out. I love teaching people how to get in touch with their body.
Book a free call.

Check out my VIDEO on mat work and abdominal strengthening exercises.

Listen to my Podcast on Abs and Core.