Fitness Training Expert aims to provide top quality fitness training advice, exercise information and educational resources for all fitness enthusiasts.  Expert fitness advice SEARCH THIS SITE FACEBOOK BRIDGEFIT ARTICLES   Abdominal Muscles So what are the abdominal muscles? I will make a sweeping generalisation and suggest that most people think the abs are just the specific abdominal muscles that allow one to flex the spine; the rectus abdominus for example. This is the abdominal muscle visible as the elusive six pack. Equally there will be some who think that “abs” is all about activating the transverse abdominus (TvA). This is the stomach flattening corset like musculature originating deep inside the abdominal wall. The TvA is important, as is the rectus abdominus...and so are the other muscles! The “abs” consist of the rectus abdominus, the transverse abdominus, the internal and external obliques. Lets look at these muscles in more detail with respect to their functions within the body: Abdominal and Core Training Rectus Abdominus Concentric: Accelerates spinal flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation. Eccentric: Decelerates spinal flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation. Isometric: Stabilises the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Internal Oblique Concentric: Accelerates spinal flexion, lateral flexion and ipsilateral rotation. Eccentric: Decelerates spinal extension, rotation and lateral flexion. Isometric: Stabilises the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. External Oblique Concentric: Accelerates spinal flexion, lateral flexion and contralateral rotation. Eccentric: Decelerates spinal extension, rotation and lateral flexion. Isometric: Stabilises the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Transverse Abdominus (TVA) Concentric: Increases intra-abdominal pressure. Isometric: Stabilises the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex working with the internal oblique, multifidus and deep erector spinae. Eccentric: No eccentric action identified for this muscle. The Core Collectively the abdominal muscles work as part of what has been termed “the core”. However they do not just work in isolation, they work with many other muscles. There are muscles which attach directly to the vertebrae, muscles linking the pelvis to the spine, and others that attach the spine or pelvis to the extremities. Clark and Lucett (2010) refer to these muscle groups as the local stabilisation system or the global stabilisation system. The role these muscles have together is simply termed the movement system, effectively taking into account the multi-planar ability of the human body. Elphinston (2008) describes the body as having three primary “stability/control zones” all contributing to the core. These are: 1) The hip and pelvis 2) The abdominal and lumbar spine 3) The scapula and thoracic spine These three “zones” are really the power houses within the body. Any problems with these areas can manifest itself through poor movement quality, weakness or injury. A problem with one centre can manifest itself in another. They must all have an appropriate amount of stability for the demands placed upon them. The body can only generate strength to the limits of its ability to stabilise. The muscles of the core must therefore be trained to stabilise, reduce and absorb forces, and ultimately generate force. The abdominal and core training articles will focus mainly on the abdominal and lumbar spine region (accepting their will be overlap into the other areas). I include below some articles on core stability, strength and power exercises. Related abdominal and core training articles Core Stability Training  Core Strength and Power Training  Core Stability Exercises  Core Strength and Power Exercises  References: Clark, M.A & Lucett, S.C. (2010) NASM’s Essentials of Sports Performance Training, Baltimore, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins Elphinston, J. (2008) Stability, Sport and Performance Movement, Chichester, Lotus Publishing