I’ve been sucking my stomach in for as long as I can remember – partly to do with perpetual bloat and society’s ridiculous beauty standards (which I’m trying to shake off), and partly because I know a strong core is important, especially when working out.

I thought tensing my tummy all the time would strengthen it and give me good posture, but I recently noticed that constant tensing during yoga was preventing me from activating my ujjayi breath (deep breathing). 

It was also really uncomfortable engaging my abs in an attempt to sit up straight at my desk, when my body was trying to digest lunch. The worst part, though? I started to pee a bit when I laughed or sneezed. It turns out these are all symptoms of engaging your core too much.