What does it mean when they ask you to draw in your belly???

Some one asked me the other day a question that often comes up and today I thought I would answer it.

What does it mean when they ask you to draw in your belly???

The drawing in maneuver is the most important core exercise to master. It is simple to perform, and it helps to re-train the deep core muscles. You can perform the exercise in many positions, but let's look at lying on your back.
Starting Position: Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flat.
Form: Simply pull your belly button in and towards your spine. Try to get your belly button all the way to your back. Hold for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times. (DO NOT SUCK IN THE BREATH)

Training Tips: You can use an object to make sure you're doing this exercise correctly. Place the object over your belly button and attempt to lower the object as much as you can. (Always make sure you are breathing throughout the exercise)

This exercise is different from flexing your abs. When you flex your abs, your stomach stays the same size and just tightens. For this exercise, you need to pull in and reduce the size of your waist.
When performing other core exercises keep the drawing in maneuver in mind. When a trainer or therapist says pull in your abs, they are referring to the drawing in maneuver.

Once you have the maneuver whilst laying down try it while standing and then while walking around … the more you do it the better control you will have with your belly and the closer you will be to getting that flat belly we all want.