I was talking to a lady the other day about weight loss and strength training. I was giving her some ideas on my favorite strength training exercises and she asked me this question. “Does it do any good to suck in your stomach when you are walking or sitting down?” I told her I honestly didn’t know if it really made a difference. So I asked my favorite fitness person, Jody-Fit at 52. Jody looks amazing and is ultra fit.
Jody told me that
“As for “holding in your stomach”… well, it is not so much holding in your stomach BUT holding the core tight, if you get that. Just “sucking it in” is not the way too go. You have to be aware of your posture & hold the core tight. Sit up straight, stand up straight & do not slouch, same when walking. You have to be aware of that. I always tell people that once you are sitting for a bit but not thinking about it, all of a sudden, check out your posture.. most times, we are slouching. Same with standing or walking.. catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror or a window. People are usually surprised at what they see.Any time you engage that core while doing anything and I mean anything including cleaning, playing with kids, picking up things, you are working it. In fact, just working out, if you are maintaining proper form, you are engaging the core.A person can even sit on a stability ball while watching TV or reading & you really have to work the core to stay upright & not fall off!”
And here I am consciously engaging my core abdominal muscles and standing up straight and tall.
I think the difference is pretty dramatic. I need to remember to engage my core muscles all the time – when I’m standing, when I’m sitting and when I’m walking. I’ve gotten a lot more consistent with strength training this summer. I use my Gym in a Bag frequently and do core work on my stability ball.
How are you at engaging your core and standing up for yourself? Can you see a difference when you do? Diane
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You look much better in the second picture. It is amazing how standing up straight makes us look and feel better. I really need to work on my posture and do more core exercises. Thanks for the reminder!
I’ve been working on my core muscles and can tell a difference in my posture. It’s true that when we stand or sit we tend to slump over – I know I do. I think that cardio is great, but you’ve got to work the muscles that support your core or you will not get as strong and as fit.
Makes a HUGE difference.
Being a dancer I am so aware of this and find I do it in all situations in my life..
I remember at school I got a deportment badge as I sat up straight and most school going kids slouch ~ when I run or train I am always pulling in my abs…
At least doing one thing right….:)
So true – this makes a big difference! Thanks for pointing it out because I think it is easy to forget about posture.
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This is EXACTLY why yoga had made me feel taller and slimmer! Because it’s made me more aware of my shoulders and how I stand, walk and hold myfelf. My posture is better and I look THINNER.
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There’s totally a difference there! (And, by the way, cute shoes!) I think standing up straight also gives off more confidence, which could also help you be more confident.
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A picture worth a thousand words.. They way we stand AND the way we dress makes a HUGE difference! Thanks Diane!
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Wow- that is a huge difference. I’m going to being standing/sitting up straight more often! Who knew it could help me shed 5 lbs?
I have a habit of slouching a lot, so I really need to work on this one.
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What a great reminder
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Not only does engaging your core make you look thinner, but it conveys a more positive, confident attitude, which many seem to find to be “sexy”. Stand up straight, engage that core and smile !!! it makes a world of difference
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LOL!! Yup, stand up straight may be the best advice our mothers ever gave us
PS CalorieLab seems to be working
I agree with all of this and really appreciate your angle. I will also add the the primary reason to maintain good posture, in and out of the gym, is to protect your spine!!!!
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What a great reminder to stand tall! Hubby recently took some progress photos of me and I saw one where I was slouching and yes indeed I looked terrible that way.
I think it is easier to stand tall when you are feeling better about yourself and dare I say when my breasts are smaller and less heavy it is easier to stand tall!
Hmmm. I think I probably need to work harder at this posture thing. In fact, as I type this, I’m pretty sure I’m slumping!
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Good reminder. I know that when I have eaten well for several days in a row, I tend to have a somewhat flatter stomach and stand more upgright with better posture. But, I should just be more aware of posture all the time.
I like this post! It’s very true. Thanks for the reminder! I’m sitting up a little taller in my chair right now!
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It’s not just that I look better, but I actually *feel* better when I’m standing tall and being mindful of my posture. (My desk posture is still lousy, but it’s all a a process, right?:))
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This is where I fail I must say. I read about this over and over again, but do I ever listen? No I never. I have to always remind myself.
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Thanks for the reminder — I always thought I had excellent posture, but I’ve caught my reflection a couple of times lately and I’ve become lax and have been slouching.
Marsial2010´s last fabulous musings ..Good News- Disappointing News
this post made me smile
and I went to a chiroprator at my heaviest
the most beneficial thing she could have done was stand me in front of a full length mirror and SHOW ME how I was hunching.
I now firmly believe that one much do the toning exercise to move everything into the correct, supported position (all the time) instead of just trying to force it back, week after week (with nothing to hold it).
AND
-5 pounds for posture
-5 additional pounds with a really good bra
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I noticed I was doing the slump thing while typing….after reading this I straighted up!
After my back surgery I have learned to keep my core engaged as often as possible. It minimizes my back pain and makes me look more confident.
This is a great reminder and I need to be more aware of my posture. As I was reading your post I realized i was slouching in the chair. I straighten up eal fast and it feels better.
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I’m terrible at it. I’m so tall that it really results in inches of height being gained or lost according to my core engagement. I’ve become more aware of it as I’ve started an abs/core regimen. I’m so sore it feels better to engage. It’s nice.
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It’s too funny as you read that on your chair in front of your computer you straight and engage your core/abs as you were bad sitting before…
Too funny!!
Diane, thx for the shout out!!!! And the visual is AMAZING!!!! Such a little thing can make a HUGE difference! And as many of your readers said, you feel better too! Got to love that!!!!
An example I mentioned to Diane was when people do push-ups.. and if you think about that, it is a plank as well as a push-up that works the chest, arms & more. Think about the many things you do when you exercise or just do regular day stuff… it all can turn into core work!
Thx again Diane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I tried to get my boss to let me have a stability ball. But because of where my desk is located (right in front of the door) he said no. BOOO. I think it would show clients that we are a health conscious organization. Ahwell. This is something i need to work on.
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I am learning to engage my core-but I am such a natural slumper…
I promise I’ll work harder. Thanks
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I take a cardio class and the instructor is ALWAYS telling us to suck in our abs. She tells us is bonus hour-long workout.
My posture can be terrible. I round my shoulders awfully, and I already carry some fat there to begin with, so it looks like i have a hump back if I am not cautious! But when I try to make an effort on my posture, or to sit on the stability ball, it makes a HUGE difference!
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I am so bad about this! My husband will sometimes jokingly pull my shoulders back. I do look better that way. Worst is that both of my boys are noticeably slouching.
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Great photos — this is something I can work on. In fact I am sitting straighter and tighter just typing this.
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Before I start my daily walk I try to remember to briefly do the yoga mountain pose, which is a standing up straight, sholders back, good posture pose and then I start walking. Nothing bothers me more than seeing someone clearly doing a walk for exercise with terrible posture – I think they’re asking for long term back problems!
I also second the “great shoes” comment.
I was slouching as I read…I shall start to work on that
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WOW, what a difference. Thanks for modelling the difference. I find that remembering my core helps me to have less back issues. I also bought a pair of the shape up type shoes and they help me stand taller (plus add an inch) and they DO engage the core muscles… The most important thing though is that I have arthritis/inflammation in the little sesamoid joint (where bunions are) and the rocking action makes it less painful to walk.
Gosh, I remember doing this and actually being amazed at the results… Thanks for reminding me, Diane! The difference is rather significant, and for someone as obese as myself, correcting the posture takes a huge load off the organs.
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Very cool, it’s one thing to know it and it’s entirely another thing to see it.
Great visual. I think our posture can say so much about how we feel about ourselves.
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this is something I need need need to work on.
a lot.
ahhh true posture makes a huge difference and hey I figure it never hurts to work on the core
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