Six-pack abs do not mean that you have good stabilizing technique or a ‘functional core’. They simply mean that you have trained the outer musculature and it holds tone. The inner core covers all the muscles in the abdominal area that are responsible for functional strength and stabilizing. Follow these simple steps to build strength and stability in your pelvis from the base up. 1. Breathe Properly Many of us have poor breathing patterns that we aren’t even aware of. It’s important to make sure you are breathing correctly. Did you know your breathing is a great indicator of how well your core muscles work? Let’s check your breathing right now with a simple exercise. Correct Breathing Exercise While sitting or lying down place one hand over your chest and the other hand over your belly. Take a deep breath in. If you felt your top hand primarily rise, this indicates a shallow breathing pattern (upper chest breather). This is a possible indicator that your diaphragmatic muscles may not be actively stabilizing your torso as they should. Instead, your lower hand should rise and fall evenly as well as your rib cage expand to the sides and into the floor. Practice: 2-3 times per day for 2 minutes.