I saw an article in another magazine the other day that said I could build my abs just by sucking in my stomach, or ‘hollowing out’ as they called it. Does this really work?
Simon Jones, Derry

Jason Anderson replies: First things first: what are you doing reading another magazine? As for ‘hollowing out’, this is a method of activating deep abdominal muscles that have been switched off as a result of back pain. It should not be applied to normal conditioning. When you suck your navel into your spine you are placing the abdominals in a disadvantaged position for core stability. They are shortened, which makes them weak and promotes flexion of the lumbar spine.

When exercising, it would be better to brace your abdominal region as if someone were about to punch you in the stomach. The dimensions of the abdominal cavity do not change, which allows your muscles to work at their optimal length. Imagine trying to suck your stomach in while running – it’s unnatural.