strong man says, "don't hold the belly in!"

Madison Avenue (i.e. the American advertising industry) has convinced the public into wanting "six pack abs." This should come as no surprise; Madison Avenue is in the business of vanity.

Very strong rectus abdominis muscles are not an indicator of overall health. And too much attention on the physical appearance of the stomach area may cause a physiological disfunction.

Let the belly hang. Holding the belly in causes an inability to breathe deeply. The diaphragm is the main breathing muscle. When not shallow breathing, the diaphragm pushes out the viscera (organs in the abdominal cavity) with an inhale. Letting the belly protrude is natural and healthy. And lastly, it is impossible to relax and hold tension simultaneously.

Six Pack Abs Can Ruin Your Life by Elliott Hulse

source of photo: De Guerville, A.B. "New Egypt." E.P. Dutton & Co., NY, 1906, p. 169
courtesy of WikiMedia Commons