How about a stomach exercise you can do while watching TV or sitting in front of a computer at work. This is an exercise that will tighten your abs in a dramatic way in just a few short weeks. It’s not uncommon for people to lose 2 to 3 inches in that time. The stomach vacuum is just that exercise. It’s a long forgotten stomach flattening exercise that can be done just about at any time and anywhere.

The main muscle that is engaged by this exercise is the transverse abdominal muscle which runs horizontally underneath you oblique muscles. The transverse abdominis muscle is basically what holds everything in, so by doing this one simple exercise you are tightening the abs and shrinking the waistline at the same time. Another reason to strengthen the transverse ab muscle is that it helps to eliminate lower back pain by stabilizing the spine and pelvis areas.

So what is the stomach vacuum? It’s pretty much what it sounds like. If you have ever sucked your stomach in for any reason, then you were basically doing the stomach vacuum. Now to actually do this stomach exercise correctly you need to suck your tummy in and picture pulling your belly button up and to the back toward your spine. Try to pull it in just as far as you can go and remember to breathe. It doesn’t matter if your sitting, kneeling or standing on your head. The stomach vacuum can be done in any position.

To start with try and hold it for 15 seconds then relax for about a minute. Now repeat it 2 more times. Over time you will want to increase the length of time you hold the vacuum position and increase the number of sets you do as well. Another option with this particular tummy flattening exercise is just to do it through out the day. Since you are not noticeably moving around you can sneak a set or two in at any time.

Do these everyday over the next couple of weeks and you will be absolutely amazed by the results.