Transversus abdominus We call the primary core muscle, Transversus Abdominus - the 'corset of the spine'. This muscle is a postural muscle that should activate easily during pilates and exercises that load the core stability. The 'Trans Abs' is a deep core muscle that wraps around the spine, across the lower abdominal and attaches to ribs and spine to help stabilise the lumbar spine and raise intra-abdominal pressure supporting the abdominal contents. You may here us in Pilates classes prompting, 'draw your tummy to spine' or 'draw down your belly button'. This is how to engage your core muscle 'trans abs'.... If in doubt - breathe out.... We exhale in order to set the core, as we want to draw down softly and not over tension the abdominals. If you are holding your breath or gasping during Pilates the chances are that you are elevating the abdominals and becoming tense, know as 'splinting' the abdominal wall. During splinting the abdominal wall if will become hard but 'dome' instead of