Cat Breath Ab Exercise: aka Cat Vomit
Recently, someone recomended this move to me to get those 6 pack abs everyone wants. It’s from by Tim Ferriss’ 4 Hour Body program. The name is very off putting to me especially since I do know a cat that does vomit on occasion. From here on, I will refer to this as the Cat Breath Ab move, it sounds much better and there is no puking involved.
Overview: Basically you will be taking deep breaths, and holding the exhale with your abs squeezed in.
1. Get on your hands and knees. Look slightly in front of your hands. Keep your neck, shoulders, spine and butt in line. I’ve seen the arms both directly under your shoulders and a little in front. I would do whichever is more comfortable while keeping everything in line.
2. Exhale all the air in your lungs through your mouth. Your abs should be contracted after this.
3. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds while pulling your belly button in towards your spine as much as possible.
4. Inhale through your nose.
5. Take a slow breath, out through your mouth and in through your nose. Then repeat.
Do 10 repetitions. I would recommend trying it a few times to get the breathing down. Its harder to hold your breath at the end of an exhale, than when your lungs are full. Which is why this works. When done correctly, you will be sore the next day. Be sure to stretch (stand up, feet hip’s distance apart, reach up and back with your hands, elongating the spine) when you are done.
Here is a video on how to do it as well as someone else’s blog. For inspiration on how to implement this into your workout, here is an idea along with more on the 4 Hour series.
Enjoy!
XO Miriam
AWESOMiriam 