subject: Use Your Mind for Great Abs! [print this page] There is one key element that most abdominal routines tend to neglect time and time again. It is the one thing will ensure a successful workout. That element is the mind/body connection.
The mind/body connection allows you to focus in on an individual area of your body and feel the way the muscle works. Sounds complicated? Well, it isn't. All it takes is a little mental awareness and control. I will walk you through it.
To begin, let's take a look at the abdominals. There are four layers to the abdominal muscles: two different layers of oblique muscles, the typical "six-pack" area, and the transverse abdominal muscles.
The typical exerciser focuses on the six-pack, or rectus abdominal muscle. This type of behavior doesn't do anyone much good. That is because it is the transverse abdominals that hold in all of your inner workings. With those tightened, it is like getting an automatic tummy tuck.
Now that you know the why, it's time to focus on the how. After reading these instructions, give it a try and see how effective the mind/body connection really is.
Lying on the floor, place your feet on the floor in line with your hips and knees. Gently place your hands on your lower abdomen and feel the way the muscles work as you breath. You should feel a slight tightening in the abdomen as you exhale.
Now it is time to step it up a notch. With your next exhale you are going to tighten the abdominal muscles to force the breath out. Do this a couple of times really focusing on the feeling of the muscles contracting.
Once you've mastered this step, it is time to bring it into an extreme connection. As you exhale contracting the muscles, focus on holding that contraction. Take a deep breath in as you continue to hold the contraction. This will force the air into you lungs and through the sides. As you exhale again, you are going to tighten the abdominals even more. Repeat this process for two more breaths and start it all over again.
That is it, the key element to an effective abdominal workout. The way to use this knowledge is just as easy. The next time you are at the gym, crunching to the music, or even just walking down the street remember to pull those abs in and feel the mind/body connection. It is the way to a brand new you, and it works every time.
