No-Risk Abs

Blandine Calais-Germain is the author of the bestselling Anatomy of Movement, The Female Pelvis: Anatomy and Exercises, and Anatomy of Breathing. In addition to being a dancer and a dance teacher, she is a certified physical therapist and attended the French School of Orthopedics and Massage in Paris. Known for her innovative method for teaching the physical structures of anatomy in relation to movement, she teaches workshops to students from all over the world. She lives in Limoux, France.

“No-Risk Abs answers crucial questions about the safety of abdominal exercises and presents a unique system for stretching and strengthening abdominal muscles without stress to the low back, pelvic floor, and neck.”

• Author’s Note Acknowledgments Part One What Are the Abs? Introduction The Rectus Abdominis The Broad Muscles and the Abdominal Aponeuroses The Transversus Abdominis The Internal Obliques The External Obliques Understanding Some Key Words Part Two Abdominal Strength versus a Flat Belly Evaluating the Flat Belly Flat Belly and Protruding Belly A “User’s Guide” to a Flat Belly Customized Strengthening Programs Part Three The Five Most Common Abdominal Exercises Working the Abdominals Crunches Leg Lifts Push-ups Supine Trunk Rotation Pulling In the Belly on a Forceful Exhalation Part Four Safe and Effective Exercises for Great Abs The Six “No-Risk Abs” Principles Seven “No-Risk Abs” Preparatory Exercises Sixteen “No-Risk Abs” Exercises Appendix. Important Ideas to Remember Courses in the “No-Risk Abs” Method Further Reading Index