Ab Exercises Workout
Why are Abdominal Muscles Important?
The abs are the large group of muscles in
front of the abdomen. They are the core of your body strength and power.
In particular, ab muscles assist regular breathing movement, alleviate
back pain and support the spinal muscles when lifting. Abs also keep the
abdominal organs, like intestines, in place. Exercising your abdominal
area helps to develop a flat stomach and the "six-pack" look.
Main Abdominal Muscles
The principal ab muscles are the Rectus Abdominis
(which stabilizes the trunk, tilts the pelvis, regulates the curvature
of the spine), the Transversus Abdominis (which pulls the abdominal wall
inward and forces the breath out, assists power activities like kickboxing),
the External Oblique (enhances activities requiring you to rotate your
trunk, like tennis, golf), and the Internal Oblique (works in a similar
way to the external oblique).
How to Exercise the Abdominal Muscles?
To work the abs, do exercises that move your
pelvis towards your sternum (breastbone) or that move your sternum towards
your pelvis. Effective ab-workouts include: crunches (lift your upper
body like head, shoulders and upper back, leaving your lower back on the
floor) sit-ups, twists and leg raises. Never pull with your neck - always
move from your midsection. Don't arch your back when doing ab-exercises.
Benefits of Abdominal Exercise
Ab exercises that strengthen the stomach
and back muscles, provide extra support for a wide range of torso or trunk-movements,
reduce the likelihood of back injury and strain, add power and strength
to your sports activities, and significantly improve the appearance of
your stomach and "six-pack".
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