Is Stomach Vacuuming the Secret to Getting Great Abs and a Flat Tummy?

If you're anything like team Her.ie, a new fitness regime can often go something like this...

January.

A photo posted by Her.ie (@herdotie) on Jan 21, 2015 at 1:58am PST

Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work. And sit-ups are the invention of the devil.

This trend, however, promises to get your flat tummy out of hiding too - without a session of crunches in sight.

This is stomach vacuuming and it might be your new favourite exercise.

Stomach vacuuming is a breathing exercise, designed to activate and strengthen the tranverse abdominis (TVA) by simply contracting it. If you nail the technique, you'll be cinching your midsection while stabilising your spine, which can reduce back pain and improve your posture.

Speaking to Get The Gloss, fitness guru Rich Sturla explained the step-by-step guide:

1. Start by lying on your back with your hips and knees flexed so that your feet are flat on the floor or bed.

2. Next, exhale as much air as possible. This raises your diaphragm and, much like an empty stomach, allows for maximum contraction of the TVA.

3. Lastly, pull your navel in as close to your spine as possible. The more your navel draws in, the more the TVA is contracting.

Hold that position for 15 seconds at first, working your way up to hold the squeeze for up to 60 seconds. Repeat three to five times. Now if you'll excuse us, we're off to try this... then check for abs again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9msEniBkbU Hat Tip: Cosmopolitan