.jpg "Its Easier Not To; 3 Reasons Why Your Waist Isnt Getting Smaller")
It's Easier Not To; 3 Reasons Why Your Waist Isn't Getting Smaller
by Kayla Howard
One of the most common complaints I hear from women about their body is, “I want to get rid of this” while slapping, grabbing or otherwise pinching the flab on their bellies. Many of them have been exercising for months, or years, and they still say the same thing.
Judging by the amount of ads I see sharing the latest way to “get rid of belly fat,” this is a universal problem.
As I work with people from all walks of life and at all fitness levels, I have notice a theme in the department of form that may be the cause of your lack of results in the waistline. Although I apply these tips to T-Tapp, they can actually be applied to any workout, and at any time during the day.
Here are the top 3 things that people inadvertently do to compromise their abdominal results:
#1 Leaning Beyond Hips
Although the mass majority of people do not actually get their “ribs up” to start with, once they finally do, we often see the shoulder move behind the hip. It as if to say, "see, I have my ribs up!" It's a natural part of the progression. However, I want you to check yourself in the mirror on this because it is really just another sneaky way of releasing the abdominals. Your waistline will not shrink if you do not get the abs and lats activated. Period. If you don’t work it, it doesn’t change.
#2 Letting it All Hang Out
When bending forward into flexion, it is very common to release the abdominal muscles. This is especially true if you had babies or have had surgeries. What do I mean by that? Bend over and touch your shoe. Did your belly button move outward, or inward? Outward means you released the abs, inward means you activated. Simple as that. Pull the belly button to the spine.
#3 Pushing Instead of Pulling
To correctly activate the abdominals, one small, and imperceptible part of muscle activation can make a big difference. Tune into your pelvic floor for me—I know, you don’t want to, but this is a big deal—humor me.
Quite by accident, I discovered that it’s possible to think you are really activating the abs “hard” by pushing on the pelvic floor. Obviously pushing, or bearing down on the pelvic floor is going to compromise those muscles. It will set into motion things you do not want. Now try pulling the belly button to the spine and think, “lift” or “pull up” on the pelvic floor. Feel the difference? More abs, right?
Do you see yourself in these form errors?
*************************************
Essential Idea
Lemon! AHHHH! Real Lemon must be the most refreshing smell in the world. Not only that, lemon does a job on hard water deposits in my dishwasher, and keeps it from smelling "fishy." I like to drop a few drops of lemon essential oil on my dishcloth before wiping down my table and counters. It makes me smile and feel refreshed!
Kayla Howard is a stay at home wife and homeschooling mom who loves to teach the T-Tapp method of staying fit in 15 minutes a day from the comfort of your own home. She is a Biblical Health Coach and Senior T-Tapp Trainer, certified to teach all forms of T-Tapp. If you’d like to know more about becoming and staying fit and healthy, Kayla is happy to answer your questions! Visit her website: www.kaylahoward.com or Send an email to: kayla@t-tapp.com
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
uggg… it's tiring and work! especially bending over and pulling in! Thanks so much Kayla.
Oh no – I've been doing all three! It's so much harder to activate the abs trying to think of all these tips. Can't wait to measure after doing this a while
. Thanks!
Three excellent points — definitely relate to #2, when I lean over I catch myself 'letting go' of that bb to spine thing. Much to think about – thanks for the pointers.
question about #3…are you saying we might be mistakenly "doing Kegels" instead of tightening abs? I'm not really clear about what you mean here…
Thanks in advance
No, you SHOULD be doing a kegel by pulling up. Does that makes sense? Just think, “life pelvic floor”… Let me know!
Yep, I am guilty of doing #2. Unknowingly, I let my belly button drop to the floor…….Well, not anymore! This week I'm going to strive to be consience of my bb!
Thanks Kayla, for an awesome post!!
Wow Kayla, are you talking about me? Ha Ha! Now you gave me an aha, because I think due to flexibility my activation has gotten worse. I've lost 15 or 16 inches and now have gained 2 to 3. Between shoulders being way beyond hips no lat activation. I don't think I was always leaning so far back. I started 2 bootcamp, but that may not do much as I just need to activate lats.
Sharon
Thanks, #3 is really helpful. I just did a 12 day BC and I gained an inch in my abdomen area. It's depressing. I have my period at least 2x month if not more since I had my last baby over 2 years ago and I started one towards end of BC so I wonder if that could be part of the inch gain. I really try and watch my form but I am so weak I often find myself letting go of the activation of abs and lats and not realizing it until after. Sorry if it's TMI. The dr's only solution to regulate me is birth control which I refuse because it messes too much with my hormones so I am hoping T-Tapp will help.
I think there is a good chance that T-Tapp will help. Are you familiar with Organs in Place, Half Frogs? I would suggest that you start doing this everyday!
Very good tips! For me, I really wasn’t pulling my belly button into the spine! I thought I was, until I watched myself in the mirror! What a difference that makes! Thanks for the reminders and further explanation! Very helpful!