Stomach Vacuum exercise

The Real Inner Abdominals

The Transversus Abdominus and Lumbar Multifidus are the inner abdominal muscles. These muscles are rarely discussed, and the most neglected. These muscles lie beneath the Rectus Abdominus and External Obliques. The inner abdominal muscles support posture and control deep breathing during power movements, such as heavy squats. They are responsible for back support. Since they are rarely targeted, they are often weaker. By building a stronger inner abdominal wall, you can limit and relieve back pain, create a tighter midsection, and add explosive power to your training. 


The Stomach Vacuum - How To Do It.

Relax, we are not going to pump or vacuum your stomach. The Stomach Vacuum is an isometric contraction (tenses the muscle without moving it) of the Transversus Abdominus. A stronger Transversus Abdominus can create a stronger Valsalva Maneuver (the powerful exhale necessary to contract a muscle during an intense workload). This is one of the best exercises you can perform to shrink your waistline in a very short amount of time. Many can knock 2 to 4 inches off their midsection in as little as 3 weeks with this technique. Also, building this area of the abdominal muscle will help you gain more control over your "abs" and assist you better in explosive lifts. Stomach Vacuums take practice, but they are extremely effective. 

To execute the Stomach Vacuum, stand upright and place your hands on your hips, and exhale all the air out of your lungs, completely. Expand your chest, and bring your stomach in as much as possible, and hold. Visualize trying to touch your navel to your backbone. One isometric contraction of "X" seconds is one repetition. 

Once mastered, the Stomach Vacuum can be performed in a standing, kneeling, seated, and lying position. Now you will have no excuse to avoid abdominal training if you are stuck in traffic.

As an added bonus, you can use the Stomach Vacuum when doing your regular abdominal work. Focus on pulling in on the Transverse Abdominus. Simply do this by pulling in your stomach as far as you can and flex your groin muscles, as if you are trying to stop the flow of urine (great for women...sneak in a kegel workout). 


Training Guide for the Stomach Vacuum

Here is a training schedule to get you going for the Stomach Vacuum: 
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Week	Exercise	Seconds	Sets
1	Vacuum	20	3
2	Vacuum	40	3
3	Vacuum	60	3