Stomach Vacuum 30 Day Challenge | Couple vs Couple
The stomach vacuum, while seemingly a modern fitness fad, actually has a rich history with roots in ancient practices and bodybuilding traditions:
Ancient Roots:
Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine: The stomach vacuum has strong ties to ancient practices like Uddiyana Bandha in yoga and "qigong" (chee-gong) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These techniques emphasize deep diaphragmatic breathing and abdominal control for overall health and wellbeing, with potential benefits ranging from improved digestion to increased energy flow.
Bodybuilding's Golden Era:
Frank Zane and the "Vacuum Pose": Bodybuilder Frank Zane popularized the stomach vacuum in the 1960s and 70s, showcasing it in competitions. His impressive ability to control his abdominal muscles, creating a deeply hollowed look, cemented the vacuum's place in bodybuilding aesthetics.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Another bodybuilding legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger, also attributed his incredibly defined midsection to regular practice of stomach vacuums. He highlighted its effectiveness in strengthening the transverse abdominis, the deep core muscle responsible for "sucking in" the stomach.
Modern Day:
Physical Therapy and Core Strengthening: Today, stomach vacuums are recognized for their potential benefits beyond aesthetics. Physical therapists often recommend them to help patients strengthen their core, improve posture, and address issues like lower back pain and diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
How-To Perform Stomach Vacuums:
1. Choose your starting position:
Beginner: Start standing up with your hands on your hips. This helps with posture and makes it easier to focus on the technique.
Intermediate: Once you're comfortable standing, try it on your hands and knees (quadruped position).
Advanced: The most challenging position is lying on your back with knees bent.
2. Exhale completely:
Breathe out all the air from your lungs, like you're trying to fog up a mirror.
3. Draw your belly button inwards:
Imagine trying to touch your belly button to your spine. It's like you're trying to zip up a tight pair of jeans.
Focus on using your transverse abdominis (the deep core muscle) to pull your stomach in
.
4. Hold the contraction:
Start by holding for 10-15 seconds.
As you get stronger, gradually increase the hold time to 30-60 seconds.
5. Release and repeat:
Relax your abdominal muscles and take a few normal breaths.
Repeat the exercise for 3-5 sets.
Important tips:
Don't hold your breath: Keep breathing normally while holding the vacuum. Think of it as "breathing behind the vacuum."
Maintain good posture: Keep your back straight and avoid slouching.
Start slowly: If you're new to this exercise, start with shorter hold times and fewer repetitions.
Practice regularly: Aim to do stomach vacuums 3-4 times per week for best results.
Listen to your body:
If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult with a healthcare professional.