A is for ABDOMINALS

The abdominal muscles are located between the ribs and the pelvis on the front side of the body. There are four main muscle groups and they all have different functions. They provide movement and support to the trunk and assist in the breathing process. They also help protect the organs and provide postural support.  

Transversus abdominus is the deepest muscle. It stabilises the trunk.

Rectus abdominus is the characteristic 'six pack'. It moves the body forwards and backwards between the ribs and pelvis.

Internal and External Obliques are on each side of the rectus abdominus. They allow the trunk to twist from left to right.

The deep abdominal muscles together with the muscles in your back make up your 'core' muscles. These muscles keep your body stable and balanced and protect your spine. You should do exercises to train your core muscle group rather than standard crunches. This is much more functional and useful for everyday life. The cable machine is great to do functional core exercises on.

The cable crunch is probably not that functional but better than doing you basic crunch!!

The cable twist on a fitball is a good functional exercise. Works your abs while you are trying to balance on a ball.

The woodchop and reverse woodchop are also excellent for working the abs in a functional way. This will be great for improving your core strength.





Woodchop





Reverse Woodchop