I run distances with my abs engaged. Here's how I learned how to engage my core:
The muscles surrounding your abs form a sort of box. First, see if you can pull the top and bottom of the box together. Then, focus on pulling together the side muscles. Once you have completely formed the box, hold it for a count of 5. Repeat this about 5 times. Eventually, you should be able to hold your box together for at least a count of 10 and be able to breathe through it. You need to breathe softly and into your diaphragm.
Now, when you exercise, say when you walk, engage your abs. If your middle hurts after a 10-20-minute walk, that's a good thing.
I'm not going to say this is easy, but it is doable. And, don't worry about the flab around your middle, your abs are under there! I'm not exactly as svelt as I used to be half my age ago, either.
Comment Reply
Hi, franinfl:
I run distances with my abs engaged. Here's how I learned how to engage my core:
The muscles surrounding your abs form a sort of box. First, see if you can pull the top and bottom of the box together. Then, focus on pulling together the side muscles. Once you have completely formed the box, hold it for a count of 5. Repeat this about 5 times. Eventually, you should be able to hold your box together for at least a count of 10 and be able to breathe through it. You need to breathe softly and into your diaphragm.
Now, when you exercise, say when you walk, engage your abs. If your middle hurts after a 10-20-minute walk, that's a good thing.
I'm not going to say this is easy, but it is doable. And, don't worry about the flab around your middle, your abs are under there! I'm not exactly as svelt as I used to be half my age ago, either.
Hope this helps!
April 23, 2009 - 4:57pmThis Comment
Reply