A technique to obtaining deeply defined Abs
 

Proper breathing, exhaling and contracting are paramount to building deeply defined abs, but this technique is often overlooked.

I have my favorite ab exercises, but I have learned over the years that the number of reps and type of ab exercise is not nearly as crucial as concentrating on the following:

During crunches, I inhale through my nose as I lower my body down to the floor or on a ball, but as I raise my torso I exhale from my mouth (EVERY BIT OF AIR POSSIBLE OUT OF MY LUNGS) then I crunch up and contract or "squeeze" the abs very tightly for a few seconds. The exhaling and contraction should always be done as slow, deliberate and as intensely as possible. Breathing is extremely important in abdominal exercises for oxygen delivery, but exhaling all air is vital for getting a the best muscle.

I have used this technique for over 20 years and I swear by it's effectiveness. Every other abdominal exercise is exactly the same as the crunch when it comes to breathing, and since the abs only involve the same pulling motion from different angles, the breathing, exhaling and contraction technique is always the same.

I am curious to know how many of you also use this technique?

you have used this technique for over 20 years..and now you tell me!:mad:

I have to hold some things back,
Can't give away all my secrets!!

Ill try that today. Out of habit I always take in air and hold it like I do on most lifts

Now I think everyone wants to see a picture of you.

the breathing technique is called the salvalvic manuver and it might seem easy but its actually difficult at first because ur breathing has to be in sync with ur body movements of the concentric and eccentric part of the rep... plus another good tip tht i like to do is a technique called spot reduction training... its where u take all amortization out of the rep.. and do basically partials at fairly high speed while constantly holding the contraction at all times..