Abdominal muscles play a crucial role in maintaining good posture and protecting the spine, yet they are often only remembered when trying to achieve a flat stomach. This article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and correctly activating core muscles as a priority for overall health rather than just aesthetics. It introduces a simple test to help individuals understand proper muscle engagement before jumping into more strenuous abdominal exercises.

Elisa Riveres, a certified Pilates instructor, explains that activating the abdomen correctly doesn’t mean sucking in the stomach or tensing muscles forcefully. Instead, it should be a soft, deep, and functional activation aimed at safeguarding the spine, enhancing posture, and facilitating safer movements during everyday activities and exercises. The article highlights that understanding core activation is fundamentally important for anyone engaging in physical activities, as it directly influences performance and health outcomes.

The piece concludes by encouraging readers to prioritize learning about their core muscles, advocating for a foundational approach to fitness that improves not just appearance but also functional movement and injury prevention. It serves as a reminder that fitness should start with understanding one’s body and capabilities, laying the groundwork before undertaking a rigorous workout regimen.