Stomach Vacuum Exercise

The stomach vacuum exercise involves contracting some of your internal abdominal muscles, in particular the transversus abdominis muscle. It has little effect on the "six pack" muscles which are trained using ab crunches and other core exercises.

The transverse abdominal is a much neglected muscle, but it is also a very important muscle as its function is to stabilise the lower back and provide balance during heavy lifting. And of course, it also flattens the stomach!

The vacuum exercise consists of exhaling all the air in your lungs while simultaneously sucking in your stomach. Here are the instructions for this exercise:

1. Stand up straight.

2. Bend over slightly with your hands by your sides.

3. Push out all of your air, lifting your upper body as you exhale. Pull your stomach in as you do this.

4. Hold your stomach in for 5 to 10 seconds.

5. Do about 10 reps.