In a lot of my yoga classes I tell you to engage your core, but that does this actually mean?

It means pull in your tummy, bringing your belly button to your spine. This helps support your back. By engaging your core you are activating the:

*Rectus Abdominis – vertical muscle between pubis and the fifth, sixth and seventh ribs.

*External Obliques – pair of muscles either side of the Rectus Abdominis. Forming a v shape from lower ribs to pelvis.

*Internal Obliques – just below the external obliques.

*Transversus Abdominis – this is the deepest level of muscles that form a muscle type belt around the torso from the lower ribs to the pelvis.