'Engage your core!' – but how do you really do that?

The easiest way to practise activating your core muscles is by getting into this position (you may leave your feet flat on the floor), then pulling your belly button in and gently pressing your lower back to the floor without lifting your buttocks off the floor. Breathe normally without allowing the belly to rise. — Photos: Freepik

In a number of my columns that provide tips on how to perform a particular exercise, I have often mentioned the phrase “engage your core”.

“Pull in your belly button”, “tighten your abdominal muscles”, “zip your belly”, “soften your ribs” – these are an assortment of phrases personal trainers use to get clients to activate their abdominal (a.k.a core) muscles.