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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you suck your tummy in?

130 replies

FurForksSake · 13/03/2022 20:35

After reading this www.mamamia.com.au/jamie-lee-curtis-body-image/?fbclid=IwAR1RS1njwbsfb4gLx3mf3pf1kptnEQ4M9ylPnBmJleMqsYeMFfcKX1TO5SE

and seeing some things on TikTok it seems like people regularly clench their tummy muscles or suck in their tummy. I have never even considered doing this, a midwife told me after I had my first son I should pull my tummy in, but I thought she was just being odd (she then milked me so it was an odd exchange).

So AIBU to ask if you suck in?

YABU - Yes, I clench / suck in / however you want to put it
YANBU - No, I don't do this

OP posts:
GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 13/03/2022 20:38

I tighten my core, yes. It's a thing they drum into you in Pilates.

FelicityBeedle · 13/03/2022 20:40

I hold my belly in, I’m quite fat (working on this) and it’s uncomfortable to not tense it when standing. If I’m sitting it all hangs out

Gonnagetgoing · 13/03/2022 20:41

No never

XenoBitch · 13/03/2022 20:41

Yes, I tighten my core when I am doing certain exercises. I also try and do stomach vacuuming when I wake up, and before I sleep.

AuntFlorence · 13/03/2022 20:42

I do when I remember! I have back problems and was advised to at physio, and also when I was into Pilates.
I also do my kegal exercises regularly as a result of both physio and Pilates.

AuntFlorence · 13/03/2022 20:42

I pull it in when seated too, only time I don't is when I'm lying down

AllOfUsAreDead · 13/03/2022 20:42

I do unconsciously now. Not sure if it's a by product from horse riding or swimming or what. But my stomach muscles are pretty good so not complaining. Grin

SouperNoodle · 13/03/2022 20:43

Yes all day every day

RandomBasic · 13/03/2022 20:43

I was on a beach chatting to this older lady, and I said something about my tummy and she said "oh, honey, life is too short to worry about your tummy. Enjoy the beach." I try and remember those words.

ThinWomansBrain · 13/03/2022 20:43

I don't have an industrial hoover.

Scottishflower65 · 13/03/2022 20:45

Yes, stomach vacuum regularly. Pulls everything up and in, gives you great muscles down below and a more defined waist.

Original poster
FurForksSake · 13/03/2022 20:45

I have quite a bad back and am wondering whether this would help.

I honestly didn't realise that people held themselves in this way, perhaps I missed the lesson at school or just haven't done the exercise classed that extol the virtues of it.

OP posts:
dudsville · 13/03/2022 20:46

I think I used to. I stopped at some point. Interested in the comments above about back problems and core strength... I know this isn't the point of the year but perhaps I should start!

purplesequins · 13/03/2022 20:47

yes I do when I remember
imaginge pulling up your belly button.

Bloodybridget · 13/03/2022 20:47

Yes, most of the time, I think.

Namechangenumber23 · 13/03/2022 20:48

Yes, it helps massively with my posture, core and my back, it was drummed into me by my midwife and physio post back injury. I had to stop for a period post major abdominal surgery but once it was no longer painful and tender, I resumed and though it took me a long time to.get back to what it had been before, the benefits are even more obvious. Once you get into it, you do it without thinking

DelilahBucket · 13/03/2022 20:48

Yes because it is better for posture.

buzzing · 13/03/2022 20:48

What the heck is stomach vacuuming?!

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 13/03/2022 20:49

@FurForksSake

I have quite a bad back and am wondering whether this would help.

I honestly didn't realise that people held themselves in this way, perhaps I missed the lesson at school or just haven't done the exercise classed that extol the virtues of it.

It really would! I had such a bad back and this has really helped (amongst things including physio and Pilates and losing some weight).

CuntAmongstThePigeons · 13/03/2022 20:51

Yes, as a pp said mine is definitely a product of horse riding and ballet. But it definitely helps with back problems and core strength.

I'm not sure I would describe it as sucking in the stomach, it's more a lifting and straightening of the spine and chest which sort of has the side effect of pulling your stomach in. Sorry that's not very clear.

tirednewmumm · 13/03/2022 20:51

@RandomBasic

I was on a beach chatting to this older lady, and I said something about my tummy and she said "oh, honey, life is too short to worry about your tummy. Enjoy the beach." I try and remember those words.
What a lot of people are referring to isn't about vanity it's about activating your core and engaging tummy muscles. V important for recovery after childbirth to feel which ones to engage etc a lovely female health physio showed me and I do feel much stronger.

Not bothered about the fact that it looks big though just happy to be strengthening the muscles underneath

Original poster
FurForksSake · 13/03/2022 20:51

OK, just googled stomach vacuuming, I am going to give this a go, maybe I will look a little better and my core will improve with my back pain?

This feels like when someone told me they sit down to wipe their bottom and I didn't believe that people did that and then discovered that lots of people do!

There are so many things that I assume are normal or that there is a single option for how it is done until you happen upon it in conversation and discover other ways.

OP posts:
tirednewmumm · 13/03/2022 20:52

@FurForksSake

OK, just googled stomach vacuuming, I am going to give this a go, maybe I will look a little better and my core will improve with my back pain?

This feels like when someone told me they sit down to wipe their bottom and I didn't believe that people did that and then discovered that lots of people do!

There are so many things that I assume are normal or that there is a single option for how it is done until you happen upon it in conversation and discover other ways.

You don't sit down? Do people stand?! I feel like I'm having the same revelation here in reverse! Blush
Original poster
FurForksSake · 13/03/2022 20:53

I finish on the loo, I stand, I tear off paper, I wipe... honestly wasn't until I was an adult I realised people sat.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 13/03/2022 20:53

Wait, you stand up to wipe your arse?

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