What do you think of an ab workout? Yes, I am curious to know why so many people put emphasis on this particular part of their bodies. My body is not that bad. But, I suppose if I am going to be honest, it is not that good, either. To find out what I am missing, I contacted a friend of mine who is a personal trainer.
Apparently, it is important to keep your abdomen strong with a regular lower ab workout. My doctor stated that not exercising your “core” is like building a home with out a footer (foundation). He told me that the stronger the core, the stronger the body. The weaker the core, the weaker the body. So far I was following his lead.
Here we go: The Obliques. Yes, the name sounds lovely coming off the tongue, but apparently they are needed to help my posture stabilize. Wow! I really was not expecting to hear this. Terry (my friend’s name) also told me the obliques help with side movements and rotating my torso.
Next on the list: Transversus Abdominis. I feel like I am taking a class in a foreign language. Terry told me this is probably normal for most people. I asked him why. He stated this muscle is not known by too many people. Because it is not seen on the surface, it is not thought of. This muscle help when you must exhale explosively. I think I am learning something here.
Rectus Abdominis. This is the name of the actual muscles we call “abs”. Their main capacity is to “flex” you forward from your waistline. We train these like crazy trying to obtain that glorious “six pack”. I have a friend who says he is working on a “keg.”
You use your abdomen muscles daily. They help you sit-up, bend over, turn, reach. Without them you would not have the abilities you enjoy. These muscles are the core you should keep strong. These are the foundation that the rest of your muscles rely upon.
Transversus Abdominis. I have a surprise for you. Most people do not even know these exist. They are probably the least thanked of all the abdominal muscles. You know what they say, “out of sight, out of mind.” The Transversus Abdominis are needed when you forcefully exhale.
My doctor gave me an exercise regimen regarding lower ab workouts. He recommended that I begin at a pace comfortable to me with the ab workout and then move ahead a little each day.