The Ab-Ribbon was born from a simple idea: helping clients connect every breath to their core during functional movement. In the early days, Aj Fisher used satin ribbons tied around the ribcage to give clients tactile feedback. This gentle pressure helped them feel their rib expansion, engage their breathing core more effectively, and experience the calming benefits of controlled, elongated exhales. Clients consistently reported leaving sessions feeling stronger, more connected, and more relaxed.

However, tying a satin ribbon before every workout wasn’t practical—and the lightweight material didn’t provide enough proprioceptive feedback. One client even jokingly sent a cease-and-desist letter about the “inhumane act” of tying a ribbon around her ribs. Ironically, the combination of breathwork and rib-cage feedback ended up helping her recover from back pain after pregnancy.

During Aj’s Broadway career in Mamma Mia, she began visiting New York’s garment district daily to find the ideal material—something with the perfect amount of weight, durability, and comfort. After years of experimentation, client testing, and countless prototypes, the Ab-Ribbon was created. The goal was simple: make effective breath + core training accessible and affordable for everyone.

Many of the first users were postpartum clients who needed strong, reliable feedback to help re-establish core awareness after birth. The Ab-Ribbon provided instant guidance, helping them breathe more calmly and activate the core more effectively—a huge support system during the challenging postpartum phase.

Fifteen years, ten prototypes, and countless client successes later, the Ab-Ribbon is now used by a wide range of people: postpartum women, athletes, singers, dancers, older adults, beginners, and advanced exercisers. Anyone can benefit from better awareness of the Breathing Core during movement.

A special thank-you goes to Aj’s mother, Brenda, who hand-sewed the earliest versions before a sewing machine was available, and to Aj’s husband, Chris, co-creator of HYPOXiX, for his support throughout the design and development process.

Today, Ab-Ribbon users in Hypoxix.studio routines—and in their own walking, running, and home workouts—share that they feel stronger, more stable, and more balanced in their nervous systems than ever before.

How It Started

• Created by trainer Aj Fisher, who originally used satin ribbons tied around clients’ rib cages

• Clients experienced:

  • Better breath-to-core connection

  • Stronger functional movement

  • Calmer nervous system after sessions

• But challenges appeared:

  • Tying ribbons every session was inconvenient

  • Lightweight ribbons lacked proprioceptive feedback

  • (Funny moment) A client jokingly sent a cease-and-desist letter about “inhumane rib tying”

• This led to the idea: create a comfortable, weighted, easy-to-use feedback band

The Development Journey

• Tested multiple materials and prototypes

• Prioritized:

  • Better tactile feedback

  • Durability

  • Comfort

  • Affordability (so everyone can access breath + core training)

• Took 15 years and 10 prototypes to finalize the current design

Who the Ab-Ribbon Is For

• Postpartum women rebuilding core awareness

• Athletes

• Walkers + runners

• Singers and dancers

• Beginners and advanced exercisers

• Older adults reconnecting to breath and posture

• Anyone who wants to improve breath mechanics and core engagement

Key Benefits

• Enhances ribcage awareness for better breathing

• Encourages natural core engagement during movement

• Supports calmer breathing patterns

• Helps improve posture and alignment

• Provides instant feedback during walking, running, or workouts

• Lightweight, portable, and easy to use anywhere

• Adjustable to fit most bodies

How to Use

Step 1: Wrap the Ab-Ribbon around the base of your ribcage.
Step 2: Adjust to a snug but comfortable fit.
Step 3: Breathe normally and feel the expansion + release of the ribs.
Step 4: Use it during workouts, walking, running, or daily tasks for continuous feedback.

Why Postpartum Clients Love It

• Provides immediate awareness of rib and core engagement

• Helps reconnect to the breathing core after pregnancy

• Supports the nervous system during a demanding physical + emotional phase

• Many postpartum users reported smoother recovery and better movement confidence
  (Note: Avoid medical claims; focus on awareness and support.)

What Separates Band Squid from Other Resistance Band Systems?

1. Biomechanically Optimized Design

Band Squid™ is engineered around functional biomechanics—not generic strength training.
Each loop length (16", 36", 48") is designed for specific joint angles and movement arcs that:

• Reduce shear stress on joints

• Maximize muscle engagement through the entire range

• Support rotational stability

• Improve unilateral strength and control

• Promote proper posture in complex movement patterns

This creates a system that adapts naturally to how the human body moves.

2. Multi-Anchor Sliding System

Most bands rely on fixed handles or single anchor points.
Band Squid™ uses a sliding-loop system that allows unrestricted 360° movement, enabling:

• Seamless transitions between horizontal, vertical, and diagonal planes

• Multi-planar training without re-anchoring

• Smooth, natural movement patterns

• Better neuromuscular coordination

This means faster flow, fewer interruptions, and more efficient training.

3. Progressive Resistance & Non-Linear Overload

Every Band Squid™ kit includes four calibrated resistance levels in each of the three loop lengths.

Users can combine bands to create precise progressions in:

• Intensity

• Speed

• Range of motion

• Stability demands

This modular setup mirrors advanced strength-and-conditioning programs—helping users continue progressing without plateaus, while maintaining postural integrity and fine motor control.

4. Latex-Free, Skin-Safe Construction

Traditional latex bands break down quickly and often cause irritation.
Band Squid™ uses a hypoallergenic, latex-free elastomer designed for:

• Long-term durability

• Consistent elasticity

• Smooth, non-tacky feel

• Compatibility with the Ab-Ribbon™ and HYPOXiX core-activation tools

It is engineered for reliability, comfort, and precision.

5. Built for Breath-Driven Functional Training

Band Squid™ is designed to integrate with the HYPOXiX breathwork system, which uses controlled inhalation and extended exhalation patterns.

When combined with breath-driven movement, Band Squid™ helps:

• Enhance diaphragmatic activation

• Improve CO₂ tolerance

• Support autonomic balance (calm and focus under load)

• Strengthen postural control and movement efficiency

This creates a full-body conditioning model that links breathing, strength, and stability.

6. Research-Supported System + Educational Access

Band Squid™ isn’t just equipment—it's part of a structured, evidence-based training ecosystem.

Users receive access to:

• QR-coded tutorials

• Step-by-step training modules

• Functional breathing programs at HYPOXiX.studio

These progressions support motor learning, endurance, and cognitive-motor integration.