What is bracing?

Bracing refers to tensing the abs as if you are bracing for a punch. When performing Core Compressions, the direction of movement on exertion should be drawing toward the spine. If you place your hand on your abs, they should move away from your hand as you exhale on engagement, and never push forcefully forward. A good visual is to imagine a zipper that begins near your pubic bone. As you exhale, begin to zip the abs up and into the spine. You can also get a better sense of correctly engaging the transverse abdominals by firmly placing the fingertips of one hand just inside one of your hip bone. Place your other hand over the belly button. If you are correctly performing a Core Compression, you will feel the transverse abdominis muscle firming under your fingertips while the hand over the belly button draws towards the spine.