An illustrated guide to the anatomy of the abdominal muscles and how to tone them successfully without injury.

HEALTH / FITNESS "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." --Colleen Craig, author of Pilates on the Ball "No-Risk Abs is indispensable reading for movement and fitness educators. Calais-Germain's careful exposition of the anatomical logic that grounds her abdominal regimen will eliminate harm caused by the misinformation and cultural confusion surrounding this region of our bodies. Her approach beautifully contributes to holistic body organization." --Mary Bond, author of The New Rules of Posture and Movement Faculty Chair at The Rolf Institute Presenting a new type of abdominal exercise program designed with the body's anatomical relationships in mind, Blandine Calais-Germain reveals the 6 underlying principles for working the abs efficiently, 7 exercises to get you ready, and the 16 most effective and safest abdominal exercises for a flat belly. Pointing out that ab exercises are not without risk, she reviews the most common abdominal exercises, such as crunches and leg lifts, and explains how to avoid injury to the neck, lower back, pelvic floor, diaphragm, prostate, and internal organs as well as how to protect these vital structures with appropriate abdominal work. Exploring this often misunderstood region of the body in her trademark anatomical style, Calais-Germain details the muscular structures that make up the abs, revealing that strength alone is not the sole factor for a flat stomach. Including tips to get rid of belly fat--both superficial fat and deeper visceral fat--this book reveals how to get great abs, lose weight, gain strength, and build your core, all without hurting yourself. BLANDINE CALAIS-GERMAIN is the author of the classic 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.

“Read this book especially if you are a teacher or client with back issues...This is a brilliant book that finally addresses the poor training of abs and the possible effects of this training.”