The NASM CPT7 Study Guide describes the drawing-in maneuver as an activation technique to engage local core stabilizers such as the transversus abdominis, internal obliques, and multifidus. This involves pulling the navel in toward the spine while maintaining a neutral pelvis and spine.
The "bear down" cue is associated with the Valsalva maneuver, which increases intra-abdominal pressure but does not specifically target local stabilizers. "Retract" usually refers to scapular movement, and "brace" is more about global core stabilization involving simultaneous contraction of the abdominal and low back muscles. For training local stabilizers, the correct verbal cue is "Draw-in."