From my personal experience, when the exercise instructors tell you to tighten your stomach, they are just wanting to make sure your core is engaged. I believe this is to help support your back during movements, and also to add stability to your entire body.
I would not pull in your stomach so much that it is uncomfortable. Perhaps if you just think about "engaging your core" or "slightly tighten your belly button toward your spine" instead of pulling in your stomach, you may feel better.
In pilates and yoga, the breathing technique is important; they actually teach you how to breath. You may want to try a few of those classes with an instructor, as the exercise DVDs are made for the masses and are not geared toward a specific population typically. An instructor can help you feel comfortable with some of the moves and breathing techniques, then you could resume your workouts at home. Just one idea for you.
As far as breathing, you want your core to feel like your muscles are working ("engaged"), but not tight or pulling. You should be able to breath in through your nose, and feel your rib cage expand in front and back, and your belly button will also expand slightly. You will not be able to pull in your stomach the entire time you are inhaling or exhaling; that would hurt!
What type of exercise DVD are you doing? Cardio, strength training, pilates, yoga or something else?
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Hi franinfl,
Interesting question!
From my personal experience, when the exercise instructors tell you to tighten your stomach, they are just wanting to make sure your core is engaged. I believe this is to help support your back during movements, and also to add stability to your entire body.
I would not pull in your stomach so much that it is uncomfortable. Perhaps if you just think about "engaging your core" or "slightly tighten your belly button toward your spine" instead of pulling in your stomach, you may feel better.
In pilates and yoga, the breathing technique is important; they actually teach you how to breath. You may want to try a few of those classes with an instructor, as the exercise DVDs are made for the masses and are not geared toward a specific population typically. An instructor can help you feel comfortable with some of the moves and breathing techniques, then you could resume your workouts at home. Just one idea for you.
As far as breathing, you want your core to feel like your muscles are working ("engaged"), but not tight or pulling. You should be able to breath in through your nose, and feel your rib cage expand in front and back, and your belly button will also expand slightly. You will not be able to pull in your stomach the entire time you are inhaling or exhaling; that would hurt!
What type of exercise DVD are you doing? Cardio, strength training, pilates, yoga or something else?
April 23, 2009 - 2:32pmThis Comment
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