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Old 09-20-2007, 01:58 AM   #2
nikhi19
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I'm actually a Pilates instructor!

Stick with it! It will get easier. Contracting your abs isn't as intuitive as contracting your bicep or your calf or other muscles we visibly use each day. Think of pulling your belly button back towards your spine and making a "bowl" out of your lower stomach. Relax your shoulders and don't "suck in". The contraction happens on the exhale.

If you lay on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor you can practice a simple contraction exercise: Place both hands on your stomach right next to your belly button. Now, without moving your hands, try to pull your stomach away from your hands as you exhale. You are pulling your belly button back and down towards your spine and allowing your hips to roll forward to really force the lower back into the ground. This is called "Spinal Imprinting". Practice like this on the ground and eventually your body will get what you're trying to do and the light will click on that connects the brain to your abdominal muscles. Then you will have an easier time contracting in other positions (standing, seated, lying, on stomach, etc.)

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
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