How to Engage Your Core and Still Breathe

I hate to admit it...but sucking belly to spine is STILL being taught in the fitness industry.

*I know, right?!*

If you still have this way of thinking I get it: I was taught that way too!

But old habits die hard and today is the day you are going bring awareness to how you're holding your body.

>>With almost 20 years of being in the fitness industry, I understand the importance of an effective deep core connection for daily function.<<

Although I don't believe in having a movement practice just to see a physical transformation, I have to tell you that my clients see their bellies become flatter because of my unique training techniques.

This is only one of the reasons that I believe that EVERY woman should STOP sucking their belly to their spine so they can have a better functioning core, breathe deeper into their body and have activation in their core all day long without even thinking about it.

*Seriously: Engaging your core in this way is just as effective as an ab exercise video on loop!*

Today I’m going to give you tips on how to break this habit and begin strengthening your core. Let’s do this!

Why Should I Stop Sucking My Belly to My Spine?

Long story short: it's just flat out ineffective. Your posture automatically suffers, you can't get a breath to go past your chest and you're potentially harming your pelvic floor.

To suck your belly to your spine your body compresses in, therefore you are unable to get full range of motion with your movement. *Not to mention you can't even get a breath in.*

It also causes gripping in the obliques that is putting unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor. This could be the reason why you pee when you laugh or sneeze!

How Do I Break This Habit?

First things first, you have to be aware that you are doing it. Recognize that it's okay if you've been doing this for yeeeaaarrrs because it's never too late to create a new habit or begin healing your body.

You will break this habit, it may not be right away, but by you being here today learning something new you have now brought awareness into your body.

Any time you catch yourself sucking your belly to your spine, I want you to bring awareness to it in a NONJUDGEMENTAL way. Don't view it as a bad thing, instead, take a nice deep breath into your pelvis to reconnect with your core.

How Do I Engage My Core?

Engaging your core comes from lengthening up upward from the base of your pelvis to the top of your head.

To begin take a deep breath and on your exhale lightly connect your pelvic floor and visualize your body zipping up through your belly, mid-back, sternum and all the way to your crazy bun. *I know you have one up there mama!*

Warning: you will feel like you're not doing much because you are so used to bracing your core muscles. But this is a key part of teaching your body something new.

So there you have it, friend: my tips for engaging your core and still being able to breathe!

If you’re ready to dive deeper into deep core function then grab my free pelvic floor guide!

In this PDF, I will teach you what your pelvic floor is, give you step-by-step instructions on how to properly engage your pelvic floor and my quick pelvic floor tips. Click >>HERE<< to download the guide and start feeling empowered in your body!