engaging core during ab movements

IzzyBooNZ1

ok is there a trick to this? cos I fail at it

Is 'enagaging core' basically holding your stomach in, like you are bracing for a punch? Cos I can do this just sitting here, but if I have do to other abs movements , I find it hard to hold it like this and do the movements. Is it something that comes with practise? And is it beneficial to do this during my day at work?

cheers

AlongCame_Molly

Yeah, just clench all your ab muscles . Keeping good posture helps.

CMGoodie

And it isn't normal for most people....this is why it takes training. However, that's what makes it sexy in the end....keep them tight, work with that way, train them to be like that....then enjoy the great tight abs you want. However, patience is the key.

usmcmp

You engage your core probably more than you think if you lift weights. I got abs without doing a single crunch and only one "ab move" one day a week (like hanging leg raises). Your core helps stabilize when doing squats, deadlifts, bench press, lunges, pull ups, push ups....you get the idea.