I’m trying to understand proper core activation, but something doesn’t add up.

When people say “suck your stomach in” (TVA activation), it feels like I’m pulling everything inward and becoming weaker.

But when I actually contract my abs hard, what I naturally do is the opposite — it feels more like pushing inward/down (like bracing), not sucking in.

These two feel completely contradictory.

So what’s actually correct during ab exercises like crunches?

Is “sucking in” really how abs should be activated?

Or is that a different function than actual abdominal contraction?

When you fully contract your abs, should your stomach go in or push out?

Right now it feels like “sucking in” and “contracting abs” are two totally different things.

Would appreciate a clear mechanical explanation of what’s really supposed to happen.