Hi Kenn
Yes, it is much more complex and has more far reaching ramifications than a simple ‘sucking in of the stomach’.
The outcome of such a command is really supposed to engage the core muscles to engender protection of the back.
However the problem is that it is easy to simply suck in the stomach without actually engaging the core at all. I have seen that in many a yoga student for years.
So the instruction is really just a superficial command and only some will get the desired outcome. It needs to be balanced by a thorough explanation of the purpose of those words and that they are a kind of shortcut way of asking someone to engage the core. But unless the student is given that explanation it’s a toss up as to what they’ll actually be doing.
The whole deal is further complicated by the fact that some will suck in their stomach and actually OVERRIDE the contraction of the core muscles by only activating the superficial muscles. These include the rectus obdominus or the 6 pack muscles. The target muscles are the transverse abdominus muscles and muscles that form a girdle around the lower back and organs.
Core strengthening is an important postural and functional element. If you’re unsure as to whether you are doing it correctly then it pays to go and get some professional advice!
There is a difference between core strength and core rigidity. In my experience, those who are unable to automatically engage their core (as evidenced by difficulty in certain movements and actions in and out of their yoga practice) will unwittingly activate the wrong muscles. This will eventually let them down and they will one day find themselves with an unexplained sore back or spasm as a result of some seemingly insignificant movement.
PS there is quite a lot more specific on the subject in the forum if my memory serves me correctly.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
