Muscles used in this exercise

Core muscle (transversus abdominus), and the abdominal muscles.

Purpose

Prevention of lower back pain. The core muscle acts like a corset to protect your spine and fasten your abdomen. The core activation should hopefully become automatic with your daily movements.

To do this exercise

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet approximately in line with your hips

• Place your fingers approximately 2 cm in and 1 cm down from your pelvis bone

• Gently pull your lower stomach (below your belly button) up and back toward your spine and you should feel the muscles tighten under your fingers

• Try to maintain the tension as you breathe in and out for 10 to 20 seconds

• Keep your upper stomach muscles (above your belly button) relaxed

• Continue to breathe normally as you perform this exercise