I can't tighten it damn it!!!

FlowerFairy493
FlowerFairy493 Posts: 182
in Fitness and Exercise
We do a strength training class at my gym, and for every exercise, they tell us to tighten our stomach for some reason. I can't do that. I've tried doing crunches without it and it still works my core to death.

I don't understand why we should do this? During a workout, I focus ALL my concentration on actually breathing and doing the exercise right. I can't tighten my stomach at the same time. :-/

Replies

  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    practice, padawan
  • goldmay
    goldmay Posts: 258 Member
    I used to have trouble with this too. Just keep reminding yourself and eventually it'll become second nature. For me it helps to imagine that someone's about to punch me in the abdomen,
  • mathandcats
    mathandcats Posts: 786 Member
    Try straightening your spine (so that there's no curve at the small of your back). This should lead to you tightening your core muscles. I'm not sure if this is the correct way to be doing it, but the only time I was very successful at tightening my core is in exercises where I was told to straighten my back.
  • FlowerFairy493
    FlowerFairy493 Posts: 182
    I can usually do it for 2 or 3 reps... After that I stop breathing Lol. :laugh:
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    Keep working on it!
  • GiGiBeans
    GiGiBeans Posts: 1,062 Member
    Imagine pulling your belly in to meet your back.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Practice right now. Practice at work. Practice when you're watching TV. Once you've ingrained it in your brain it will come naturally.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Kegels are your friend


    Wha?? Oh, nvm
  • FlowerFairy493
    FlowerFairy493 Posts: 182
    Kegels are your friend


    Wha?? Oh, nvm

    Wait what??? :laugh:
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I've been lfiting a long time- and I didn't get the "brace you're abs bit" till I put on a belt and braced against the belt- it goes well beyond just suck it it in.

    BUT- for most stuff- have someone give you a shot to the stomach- not a slap- but softer than a punch... you'll instantly flex next time they do it.

    That's the best way to figure it out.. .after that it's just learning how to do that AND breath.
  • derik999
    derik999 Posts: 73
    Brace your stomach as if someone was going to punch you, like if you only had a second to react. That's how you tighten up. Then you maintain that and breathe "behind the shield" as the saying goes.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    My trainers during classes recommend tightening your abs because it helps support your back and protect it from injury. Since you're in a class setting, you should be able to ask this question to the instructor and get them to help you figure out how or if you can do it.
  • msunat97
    msunat97 Posts: 516 Member
    It helps to tighten your core to develop those muscles along with the muscles being used to lift the weights. This will strengthen your entire body & possible prevent injury while lifting.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Question... Are you sucking your stomach in rather than tightening the stomach muscles? In my experience, it's somewhat common to get these two things confused. If you're using proper form, you should be slightly contracting those muscles anyway. Shoulders down and back, back straight, everything in alignment.

    As others said, with some practice, it'll become easier.

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