Do you suck your tummy in?

[FurForksSake]

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

I did used to do this and stopped but now I f heard better for posture and backs am going to restart

I used to, all the time! I think it was inbuilt in me from horse riding from age 4-20.

Once day my tummy hurt so I just let it relax and have been the same ever since 😂

I also suffer from a curved spine, which gives me horrendous backache and I can never sit a canter properly.

I always tighten my abs, not to suck it in/vacuum but just a comfortably tucked in. When I remember I will also tilt my pelvis forward while shoulder back with neck straight, which is quite tricky but very relaxing for my back. Highly recommend! It’s a basic Pilates move to strengthen core muscle whenever and wherever.

A friend of mine told me her mother and grandmother taught her to do this from a young age. I still find it so odd that I never heard of it before that.

Do men suck their stomachs in I wonder?

Don't know about others but I do constantly, for me it's a part of good posture, I'm not sucking anything in, I'm keeping my core engaged

@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.

I do my best to keep my core engaged as much as possible. I don't do it when I'm just slobbing out on the couch, but walking, exercising, driving, unless it's an hours long drive. I had a fucked up back for years. Had lots of treatment, physio, injections, medication on and off for years. Strengthening my core was what worked and I've been years without back issues now.

I'm really annoyed that I have never heard of this - I'm starting from now

Seen quite a few people mentioning Pilates on this thread would people recommend this for tightening ab muscles? My stomach is my biggest problem area and I've been doing 15 min ab videos from YouTube but will give Pilates a go if it's more helpful

Always hold my stomach in, always have. I think my posture improves and it makes me look slimmer than I am.

Omg how have I got to my mid thirties without knowing this was a thing!
I’ve done Pilates for years and my core is pretty strong but I didn’t realise it’s advised to keep your core engaged all the time. Don’t know if I can be bothered 🙈 does it just become second nature after a while and you don’t have to think about it?

No, I didn't know people did this! I will try to start after reading the comments but will probably forget just like I do with the pelvic floor exercises.

Yes, when I remember. A string core will help your back too

@MermaidEyes

You don't sit down? Do people stand?! I feel like I'm having the same revelation here in reverse!

Same here 😮

I didn't realise people stood

I taught myself to to do this as a teen. In my twenties I started getting back pain on and off that's e we ordered as I got older. Saw a physio a few years back who told me to stop holding in my tummy and showed me that as you tense your stomach muscles you will also tense the muscles around your lower back. She said you are instead just meant to sort of balance everything on your hips.

Totally resolved by back pain that I'd had for years.

Strengthening your core is a different thing. That is of course good to do, it's consciously (or by habit) tensing your stomach muscles just going about your day that can be problematic.

*worsened

I stand up straight after years of yoga. I still have a bad back though.

Omg this thread is so random. Covers all topics ranging from strengthening your core, wiping your backside and milking people! 🤦‍♀️ and we're only on page 4!

OP I also stand up to wipe. My haemorrhoids bulge out if I'm sitting so it hurts to wipe sitting 😂 Pretty sure I did that even before having haemorrhoids though.

Yes I've always done it, everyday. Mum drummed it into me and my sisters to pull in our tummy muscles and I'm glad she did.
When I had DD 33 years ago and had a flat stomach again 2 weeks after she was born.

@Copenhagenoffice

Omg this thread is so random. Covers all topics ranging from strengthening your core, wiping your backside and milking people! 🤦‍♀️ and we're only on page 4!

You should meet me, part of my adhd is that I'm utterly random!

Always if I'm standing. Tummy in, chest up, shoulders back. I dread to think how bad my back and posture would be if I didn't.

In shock here. How come I'm in my 60's and never heard of anyone holding in their tummies unless as a joke if you're looking in the mirror etc. I find it hard to breathe if I hold mine in! What on earth is stomach vacuuming? Do you ever relax if you are constantly tensing your muscles in? I haven't told any of my DC to do this.
Wiping while sitting down - is that possible?!!
Mumsnet never ceases to surprise me..!

Always. It started when I first put on weight after having a baby and now, 30 odd years later, it is so ingrained that I cant not do it. I am very slim (have an ED) and dont need to pull in my tummy as I actually have the tummy I wanted for all thos years, but I still do it. Its as natural as breathing for me now.

@Cavagirl

What? Standing to wipe? What?

Right, I don't feel like I could access the whole area. I wouldn't feel clean, I don't think.

Oh and I was raised by a mother who made me stand up straight and hold my stomach in. I do it automatically.

I've learnt so much from this thread