Abdominal hollowing (or the draw-in maneuver) and abdominal bracing are both incorporated by therapists, trainers, and other exercise specialists to benefit persons with lumbar instability (Vaičienė, Berškienė, Slapsinskaite, Mauricienė, & Razon, 2018). There is a tendency for professionals to pick one of these interventions while downplaying the validity and value of the other. Integrated training is based on the implementing all evidence that works during the appropriate time with an understanding of how we can optimize outcomes for our clients. We will review the research surrounding abdominal hollowing and abdominal bracing to provide a better understanding of the evidence of their practical applications.

Evidence shows that deep abdominal muscles are more activated with abdominal hollowing and surface muscles more activated with abdominal bracing (Vaičienė, Berškienė, Slapsinskaite, Mauricienė, & Razon, 2018). Hollowing has shown to increase local spinal stabilizers (Lee et al., 2013; Suehiro et al., 2014; Kim & Oh, 2015; Lee et al., 2016) and LPHC stability while minimizing the facilitation of global muscle activity during exercise (Suehiro et al., 2014; Kahlaee, Ghamkhar, & Arab, 2017). Abdominal hollowing was found superior to abdominal bracing for increasing LPHC stability and leg stiffness in hopping tasks (Dupeyron, Hertzog, Micallef, & Perrey, 2013). Though it does seem that maintaining a neutral spine (Reeve & Dilley, 2009) and costodiaphragmatic (chest / belly) breathing is important to the optimization of muscle activation while performing abdominal hollowing (Ha, Kwon, Kim, & Choung, 2014).

Multiple data questions the efficacy of treating LBP solely using abdominal hollowing (Unsgaard-Tondel et al., 2012; Vasseljen et al., 2012; Wong et al., 2013). McGill, arguably one of this generation’s top researchers on exercise and the spine, is not a fan of abdominal hollowing, and argues that the transverse abdominus should activate when abdominal bracing is done appropriately without the need to draw-in the navel (2016). He provides evidence that core stiffness is of far more value when it comes to protecting the back (Lee & McGill, 2015).

Evidence supporting both abdominal bracing and abdominal hollowing work to increase LPHC stabilization. We are not left with a debate on efficacy of these two techniques, but application. Which application should we employee and when?

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NASM provides an integrated model of flexibility that includes corrective, active, and functional flexibility categories. The specific techniques used within the Integrated Flexibility Continuum are as follows:

Integrated Flexibility Continuum

Corrective Flexibility – designed to increase joint ROM for shortened muscles. It is specifically for the areas of hypomobility.

Active Flexibility

Functional Flexibility

This episode talks about just because muscles “feel” tight doesn’t mean that they are in fact tight. Assessments are to be done to identify shortened muscles verses lengthened muscles. In an integrated model the progression from on type of flexibility category to another should be aspired to. As initial limits in ROM begin to increase through corrective strategies, more active techniques can be applied to provide strength to the new found ROM. Just like in the OPT model, once strength gains are made, speed can be applied. In this case, functional flexibility can include dynamic flexibility techniques where momentum and speed are added to the stretch. This integrated flexibility continuum is a brilliant, yet simple model to follow to support our client’s flexibility needs. 

Key Terms: 

Muscle Spindle = “Stretch-O-Meter”

Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO) – “Tension-O-Meter” 

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NASM CPT Podcast – Core Training Overview

Even the biggest bodybuilder with the best set of “Abs” may have a weak core as storied in this episode of the NASM CPT Podcast. Rick talks about the biggest person he’s ever met in real life and how his core stabilization system was … less than impressive. There’s also discussion about statistics, research, and the difference between the stabilization between each vertebrae and stabilization between the pelvis and ribcage. 

Several muscles of the core stabilization system are discussed such as the transverse abdominus, diaphragm, multifidus, and more examining what they do and how they function to support the core. 

Maxims to remember: 

- Stabilize the spine before moving it

- Core is the anchoring point of all functional movement

- “You can’t have distal mobility without proximal stability”

Listen to this episode of the NASM CPT podcast for insights about the core and what it’s for and why stabilization of the spine is important.

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 NASM CPT PODCAST – BONES!

This episode is a review of the skeletal systems. Anatomy only! No ROM or joint actions. Today Rick talks about the bones themselves, names, locations, and mnemonics to help remember and recall their names. This is a high-level overview, so we will just focus on the main bones in the appendicular and axial skeleton. 

- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps with knowing the number of vertebrae in each section of the spine

- Small lies help with knowing which bone in the lower leg is which

- Some bone names will help with learning names of certain muscles

Tune in to this episode to help solidify an overview of the skeletal anatomy OR use it for ideas to help teach bony anatomy to your students or clients.

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 NASM CPT Podcast – Anatomy NAMES

One of the most common questions I get after a workshop is “how do you remember the names of all those muscles?” So, today we discuss anatomical words for muscles and from where they are derived. It’s important to learn the language of your profession and it’s simpler than you think!

Muscles reviewed in this episode include:

Check out the book “Carnal Knowledge” by Charles Hodgson and tune in to this episode of the NASM CPT podcast to learn roots for these anatomical body parts and how memorizing these them MAY not be as difficult as you once thought.

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Your body is apt at dealing with stress and will make adjustments as needed to cope. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) allows us to look at the introduction of stress to our system and a spectrum of our body’s ability to deal with it. The levels of the GAS principle are:

The Alarm Reaction stage

The Resistance stage

The Exhaustion / Overtraining stage

The SAID principle stands for Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands, which means your body (and mind) will adapt to the specific exercises, stresses, and other demands you impose. As long as you don’t go into the exhaustion phase of the GAS you will continue to build resistance to these stresses and adapt. Work from a place of moderate stress where you can find success and build from there! Learn more by listening to this episode of the NASM CPT podcast.

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The OPT Model, or Optimum Performance Training Model, is a fitness training system developed by NASM. The OPT Model is based on scientific evidence and principles that progresses an individual through five training phases: stabilization endurance, strength endurance, hypertrophy, maximal strength and power.

In the inaugural episode of the NASM CPT Podcast, host Rick Richey walks through exactly what the OPT model is, how it's used and why it's beneficial for trainers of all levels who want to help their clients. 

With this easy-to-use model, you'll be able to help clients achieve their fitness goals, no matter their age or athletic ability - from beginners, to pros.

The OPT™ model - and NASM as a whole - is simply powerful.

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