08/14/2025
“Engage your core” is a bit misunderstood as a prompt in teaching and often leads to “grip your abs,” as a response.
Think of it this way: Your core is like the conductor of an orchestra. It doesn’t need to be the loudest instrument—it just needs to coordinate everything else.
Try this instead: Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly. Breathe normally and notice the gentle rise and fall. On your next exhale, let your belly button draw gently toward your spine—not forced, just a subtle activation. That’s your deep core saying hello.
The goal isn’t to create a rigid tube in your torso. It’s to find that sweet spot where you’re supported from the inside, where movement can flow from your center rather than being forced by your limbs.
Remember: “Your core is the first mover in the body. If the focus is strengthening the core, then the limbs get strong as a byproduct.”
So instead of gripping and forcing, let your center do what it already knows how to do—lead with intelligence, not tension.
Trust that process, Rachel. Your body’s wisdom is already there, waiting for you to listen.
XO Jacqui
