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Table of Contents
About The Book
An illustrated guide to the anatomy of the abdominal muscles and how to tone them successfully without injury
• Presents the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for great abs
• Reveals how common ab exercises, such as crunches, can damage the spine, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and internal organs
• Offers tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat
Presenting a new type of abdominal exercise program designed with the body’s anatomical relationships in mind, Blandine Calais-Germain reveals the 6 underlying principles for working the abs efficiently, 7 exercises to get you ready, and the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for a flat belly. Pointing out that ab exercises are not without risk, she reviews the most common abdominal exercises, such as crunches and leg lifts, and explains how to avoid injury to the neck, lower back, pelvic floor, diaphragm, prostate, and internal organs as well as how to protect these vital structures with appropriate abdominal work.
Exploring this often misunderstood region of the body in her trademark anatomical style, Calais-Germain details the muscular structures that make up the abs, revealing that strength alone is not the sole factor in a flat stomach. Including tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat--this book reveals how to get great abs, lose weight, gain strength, and build your core all without hurting yourself.
• Presents the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for great abs
• Reveals how common ab exercises, such as crunches, can damage the spine, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and internal organs
• Offers tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat
Presenting a new type of abdominal exercise program designed with the body’s anatomical relationships in mind, Blandine Calais-Germain reveals the 6 underlying principles for working the abs efficiently, 7 exercises to get you ready, and the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for a flat belly. Pointing out that ab exercises are not without risk, she reviews the most common abdominal exercises, such as crunches and leg lifts, and explains how to avoid injury to the neck, lower back, pelvic floor, diaphragm, prostate, and internal organs as well as how to protect these vital structures with appropriate abdominal work.
Exploring this often misunderstood region of the body in her trademark anatomical style, Calais-Germain details the muscular structures that make up the abs, revealing that strength alone is not the sole factor in a flat stomach. Including tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat--this book reveals how to get great abs, lose weight, gain strength, and build your core all without hurting yourself.
Excerpt
Part Two
Abdominal Exercises and a Flat Belly
Why Work the Abs?
- Abdominal Exercises and a Flat Belly
- Flat Belly and Protruding Belly
- “User’s Guide” to a Flat Belly
- A Flat Belly and Abdominal Strength
“User’s Guide” to a Flat Belly
- Alternate Stretching and Contracting of the Abdominals
- Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles
- Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles and the Rectus Abdominus
- Coordinate the Contraction of the Abdominals with One Another
- Coordinate the Contraction of the Abdominals with the Breath
Alternate Stretching and Contracting of the Abdominals
When we alternate the stretch and contraction of the muscles, the contractile fibers of the muscle change in shape and volume: this movement of the tissue promotes blood circulation to the belly of the muscle.
The recommended exercises in part 4 of this book often alternate stretching and contracting of the abdominal muscles.
Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles
The broad muscles are superimposed and crossed like a latticework. They form three layers that adhere a bit to each other by way of their “envelopes”: their fascia.
When one of the obliques contracts preferentially in an exercise, it draws all three layers of muscle along with it in the direction of its contraction.
This changes the form of the other two muscles whose fibers don’t run in the same direction. They are “massaged” a little like a towel being twisted.
If on the next contraction, we focus on another oblique, the same phenomenon occurs, and the whole three layers move in another direction.
The exercises recommended in part 4 of this book often alternate the contraction of the broad muscles.
Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles and the Rectus Abdominus
The broad muscles pull the anterior aponeurosis (fascial extension of the broad muscles across the front of the belly) to the outside: putting it under lateral tension.
The rectus abdominus, itself, when contracted, shortens from top to bottom along the length of the belly. It pulls the anterior aponeurosis in the same direction as its fibers.
Chapter Sixteen “No-Risk Abs” Exercises
Alternately Stretch and Contract the Abdominals
1. Stretching the Rectus Abdominus
2. Contracting the Rectus Abdominus
3. Stretching the Internal Obliques
4. Contracting the Internal Obliques
5. Stretching the External Obliques
6. Contracting the External Obliques
Contract the Abdominals and the Glutes
7. Using Arm Movement to Contract the Obliques
8. Using Leg Movement to Contract the Obliques
9. Using Leg and Arm Movement to Contract the Obliques
Coordinate All of the Abdominals
10. The Little Airplane
The Drawback Lunge
11. Stretching the Rectus Abdominus with the Drawback Lunge
12. Contracting the Rectus Abdominus with the Drawback Lunge
The Turning Lunge
13. Stretching the Obliques with the Turning Lunge
14. Contracting the Obliques with the Turning Lunge
The Side Lunge
15. Stretching the Obliques with the Side Lunge
16. Contracting the Obliques with the Side Lunge
Alternately Stretch and Contract the Abdominals
Exercise 3
Stretching the Internal Obliques
Stretching the Upper Region of the Right Internal Oblique (“Cross/Lift”)
1. Lie down on your back, the arms at your sides, and legs extended on the floor.
2. Bring the right arm across the chest and reach it on a diagonal to the upper left side of the body.
3. Feel how this stretches the top portion of the right internal oblique.
4. Return to the starting position.
5. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs.
6. Return to the starting position.
Fix the Lower Part of the Right Internal Oblique to Stretch the Entire Muscle (“Cross/Turn”)
1. Open the right leg on a diagonal along the floor; externally rotate the leg from the hip.
2. Feel how this slightly turns the pelvis to the same side. Just let it turn.
3. Keep your right leg in this position as you repeat the preceding exercise, bringing your right arm across the chest and reaching it on a diagonal to the upper left side of the body.
4. Feel how the rotation of the trunk now stretches the entire right internal oblique.
5. Return to the starting position.
6. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs.
7. Return to the starting position.
Repeat the Same Series on the Left Side
1. Bring the left arm across the chest and reach it on a diagonal to the upper right side of the body. Then return to the starting position.
2. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs and return to the starting position.
3. Open the left leg on a diagonal along the floor, externally rotate the leg from the hip.
4. Keep your left leg in this position as you repeat the preceding exercise, bringing your left arm across the chest and reaching it on a diagonal to the upper right side of the body. Then return to the starting position.
5. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs and return to the starting position.
Then you can alternate, doing the “Cross/Turn” part of exercise 3 on one side and then on the other to alternate stretching and contracting the two internal obliques.
Abdominal Exercises and a Flat Belly
Why Work the Abs?
- Abdominal Exercises and a Flat Belly
- Flat Belly and Protruding Belly
- “User’s Guide” to a Flat Belly
- A Flat Belly and Abdominal Strength
“User’s Guide” to a Flat Belly
- Alternate Stretching and Contracting of the Abdominals
- Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles
- Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles and the Rectus Abdominus
- Coordinate the Contraction of the Abdominals with One Another
- Coordinate the Contraction of the Abdominals with the Breath
Alternate Stretching and Contracting of the Abdominals
When we alternate the stretch and contraction of the muscles, the contractile fibers of the muscle change in shape and volume: this movement of the tissue promotes blood circulation to the belly of the muscle.
The recommended exercises in part 4 of this book often alternate stretching and contracting of the abdominal muscles.
Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles
The broad muscles are superimposed and crossed like a latticework. They form three layers that adhere a bit to each other by way of their “envelopes”: their fascia.
When one of the obliques contracts preferentially in an exercise, it draws all three layers of muscle along with it in the direction of its contraction.
This changes the form of the other two muscles whose fibers don’t run in the same direction. They are “massaged” a little like a towel being twisted.
If on the next contraction, we focus on another oblique, the same phenomenon occurs, and the whole three layers move in another direction.
The exercises recommended in part 4 of this book often alternate the contraction of the broad muscles.
Alternate the Contraction of the Broad Muscles and the Rectus Abdominus
The broad muscles pull the anterior aponeurosis (fascial extension of the broad muscles across the front of the belly) to the outside: putting it under lateral tension.
The rectus abdominus, itself, when contracted, shortens from top to bottom along the length of the belly. It pulls the anterior aponeurosis in the same direction as its fibers.
Chapter Sixteen “No-Risk Abs” Exercises
Alternately Stretch and Contract the Abdominals
1. Stretching the Rectus Abdominus
2. Contracting the Rectus Abdominus
3. Stretching the Internal Obliques
4. Contracting the Internal Obliques
5. Stretching the External Obliques
6. Contracting the External Obliques
Contract the Abdominals and the Glutes
7. Using Arm Movement to Contract the Obliques
8. Using Leg Movement to Contract the Obliques
9. Using Leg and Arm Movement to Contract the Obliques
Coordinate All of the Abdominals
10. The Little Airplane
The Drawback Lunge
11. Stretching the Rectus Abdominus with the Drawback Lunge
12. Contracting the Rectus Abdominus with the Drawback Lunge
The Turning Lunge
13. Stretching the Obliques with the Turning Lunge
14. Contracting the Obliques with the Turning Lunge
The Side Lunge
15. Stretching the Obliques with the Side Lunge
16. Contracting the Obliques with the Side Lunge
Alternately Stretch and Contract the Abdominals
Exercise 3
Stretching the Internal Obliques
Stretching the Upper Region of the Right Internal Oblique (“Cross/Lift”)
1. Lie down on your back, the arms at your sides, and legs extended on the floor.
2. Bring the right arm across the chest and reach it on a diagonal to the upper left side of the body.
3. Feel how this stretches the top portion of the right internal oblique.
4. Return to the starting position.
5. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs.
6. Return to the starting position.
Fix the Lower Part of the Right Internal Oblique to Stretch the Entire Muscle (“Cross/Turn”)
1. Open the right leg on a diagonal along the floor; externally rotate the leg from the hip.
2. Feel how this slightly turns the pelvis to the same side. Just let it turn.
3. Keep your right leg in this position as you repeat the preceding exercise, bringing your right arm across the chest and reaching it on a diagonal to the upper left side of the body.
4. Feel how the rotation of the trunk now stretches the entire right internal oblique.
5. Return to the starting position.
6. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs.
7. Return to the starting position.
Repeat the Same Series on the Left Side
1. Bring the left arm across the chest and reach it on a diagonal to the upper right side of the body. Then return to the starting position.
2. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs and return to the starting position.
3. Open the left leg on a diagonal along the floor, externally rotate the leg from the hip.
4. Keep your left leg in this position as you repeat the preceding exercise, bringing your left arm across the chest and reaching it on a diagonal to the upper right side of the body. Then return to the starting position.
5. Make the same movement on an inhalation into the ribs and return to the starting position.
Then you can alternate, doing the “Cross/Turn” part of exercise 3 on one side and then on the other to alternate stretching and contracting the two internal obliques.
Product Details
- Publisher: Healing Arts Press (May 12, 2011)
- Length: 176 pages
- ISBN13: 9781594773891
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Raves and Reviews
“No-Risk Abs answers crucial questions about the safety of abdominal exercises and presents a unique system for stretching and strengthening abdominal muscles without stress to the low back, pelvic floor, and neck.”
– Colleen Craig, author of Pilates on the Ball
“No-Risk Abs is indispensable reading for movement and fitness educators. Calais-Germain’s careful exposition of the anatomical logic that grounds her abdominal regimen will eliminate harm caused by the misinformation and cultural confusion surrounding this region of our bodies. Her approach beautifully contributes to holistic body organization.”
– Mary Bond, author of The New Rules of Posture and Movement Faculty Chair at The Rolf Institute
“This book is especially valuable for those who work with the elderly or who are returning to exercise after an absence. It would be very hard to go wrong with these moves.”
– Publishers Weekly, June 2011
“The focus on how to avoid injury while exercising is specific and black and white illustrations throughout provide specific instruction assuring clarity. Any library strong in exercise programs will appreciate this very specific, clear title.”
– Midwest Book Review, August 2011
“This book is as powerful as any exercise machine, filled with solid guidelines for a holistic approach to achieving a strong and healthy body.”
– Vicky Thompson, New Connexion, September 2011
“Read this book especially if you are a teacher or client with back issues...This is a brilliant book that finally addresses the poor training of abs and the possible effects of this training.”
– Lesley Powell, Movements Afoot
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- Book Cover Image (jpg): No-Risk Abs Trade Paperback 9781594773891
