"Down and out" abdominal motion when exhaling

Hi. I've recently finished Camille's Day 6 beginner course. I understand most of what was talked about for breathing for singing, but I'm not sure I'm getting it right when exhaling. I've read some other posts in the forum and I think the idea is that this "down and out" sensation isn't to do with tightening the abdomen. But I'm not sure which muscles I should engage to create the right feeling. Is the idea to keep the belly expanded for as long as possible when I exhale? Is there some alternative way to achieve this movement so I know what I'm looking for?

Thank you very much.

Hey, Jack! The goal is to keep your ribcage expanded so the upward motion of your diaphragm is slowed and your lungs don't expel all their air quickly. The "down and out" isn't tightening the abdomen - rather, it's gently pushing "out" with your low abdomen, intercostal muscles, and pelvic floor. So it's less about belly expansion and more about keeping your ribs up and out (which requires you to use your abdominal muscles). 

The easiest way to feel this gentle pushing down and out (for me) is to use a lip trill: place your hands on your sides or belly, and feel your ribcage expand when you inhale. When you exhale on the trill, try to keep your ribs up! Your abdomen will naturally begin working to achieve that. 

This tutorial goes deeper into breath support (particularly the pelvic floor) if you're interested in watching: https://www.30daysinger.com/tutorial/breath-control-like-a-pro/1.

Thank you for your reply. I've been noticing my shoulders do cave in when I exhale especially when I'm not consciously keeping them up. So I'm guessing if I can focus on keeping the posture in place when I exhale, the abdomen will naturally do what it needs to do. 

Good luck, Jack!