"Abs" From The Clinic

Part three of the, Vanity muscle series. The abdominal muscles are a group of 6 muscles that extend from various places on the ribs to various places on the pelvis. They provide movement and support to the trunk, often called the core. These muscles also assist in the breathing process, postural support and defining the form.  The deeper and closer to the spine the particular abdominal muscle is, the more effect over body posture it will have, and this often contributes significantly to a healthy back.
From deep to superficial the abdominal muscles are:

• Transversus Abdominis - the deepest ab muscle wraps around the torso, creating an effect similar to a back support belt and has a tremendous effect on body posture. 
• Internal Obliques are a pair of ab muscles, residing on each side of the torso. They have a tremendous affect on posture and are involved in, among other things, rotation and lateral flexion of the spine.
• External Obliques are also located on either side of the torso and affect body posture to a lesser degree and are involved in rotation and lateral flexion of the spine. 
• Rectus Abdominus also known as the six pack is the most superficial of the abdominal muscles and like the external obliques is affects posture to a lesser degree.

When performing exercises for the abdominal muscles such as crunches and leg raises, the back should be rounded.
See you in the gym!!!