The stomach vacuum is an exercise based on breathing. It allows you to strengthen your abdominal muscles without requiring any intense physical activity. In vogue on social networks, it's still important to know how to do it correctly.
Flatten the stomach, improve the digestive process and relieve lower back pain. The promises of the stomach vacuum, literally "sucking in the stomach," are numerous, especially since it does not require any cardio effort. It is characterized by working the abdominal muscles by pulling in the stomach. The method, also known as abdominal draw-in, features frequently in Pilates and yoga programmes. Now the practice is being practised in-home fitness routines and is becoming a trend in "flat stomach" programmes.
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The Key Is In The Breath
"It could be said that it is an exercise which is done without effort, once properly set up," explains Flavien Chauvin, a home fitness trainer based in the area around Paris. With ten-minute sessions three to five times a week, you can expect results within four to five weeks, depending on your goals. "The exercise targets the traverse abdominis, the most developed of the abdominal muscles and responsible for a flat stomach," explains the specialist. If a person practices just the stomach vacuum, they won't be able to get a six-pack but they will achieve a flatter stomach. For the more ambitious, the practice can be done at the end of a sports session.
The exercise does not require any specific equipment or position, but it does require a certain number of repetitions and a minimum duration to be effective. The sports coach advises daily sessions of ten minutes. "The risk is in wanting to do it every day and then end up getting bored," warns the professional. "It is better to do fewer sessions and have it remain interesting."
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