I missed your explanation of the rib hip connection for a flatter tummy. Can you please explain again?

The rib hip connection is a useful technique tip for toning your abdominals, improving posture and back stability. It’s an injury prevention trick for runners and especially effective for new mums who complain of a broader back and thicker waist after childbirth. The end result, when combined with effective abdominal exercises, is a more tapered, strong torso and streamlined waist.

Stand with good posture in front of a mirror (wear something fitted so you can see your torso). Place your hands around your ribcage so your fingers just touch at the front, each palm cradling your ribs. Take a deep breath, watch and feel how your ribcage rises up and out. Stop. This is the position many people use to start their sit-ups – and the fastest way to get a thicker waist and broader back.

To correct this, breathe out naturally, feel how the ribcage lowers and becomes smaller. Now, softly draw the ribcage in and down towards your hips a tiny bit more. Imagine wearing a tight corset, which needs to be tightened but you still need to breathe. This subtle dropping of the ribs is the rib hip connection. You should now feel a little narrower and more stable in your torso.

Practise holding the position for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times, breathing throughout. Always establish the rib hip connection when lying on the floor before any tummy-flattening abdominal exercise. As you get better at it, introduce it when you are out walking. Sorry to be a stickler for technique, but when you invest time in your health you do want to see changes and improvements, and this is one of the body’s little necessities.

· Joanna Hall is a fitness expert (joannahall.com). Send your exercise questions to: Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER ([email protected]).

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