Rectus Abdominis Exercise

617 Words2 Pages

Learning experience 2- question #2 The rectus abdominis is the most prominent of the abdominal muscles. The muscle is long, and flat and runs down the anterior of the abdomen. It is divided into segments by the linea alba and the horizontal tenidous. This muscle is what forms fit and toned abdominals most commonly known as a "six pack". The rectus abdominis is the abdominal muscle that aids in trunk and hip flexion. It depresses the ribs and flexes the vertebral column, narrowing the space between the pelvis and the ribs. The American Council on Exercise recommends five minutes of daily exercises that target your rectus abdominis. Complete ten to twenty repetitions and two to three sets of each exercise (www.livestrong.com/article/467476-rectus-abdominis-exercises/#page=1). …show more content…

Although the external and internal oblique muscles rely on each other to produce movement, they also serve individual purposes. Looking first at the external oblique muscles. These muscles are on each side of the rectus abdominis. The external obliques run diagonally downward and inward from the lower ribs to the pelvis. the external obliques aid the spinal and quadratus lumborum in producing trunk and lateral flexion. This allows for flexion of the spine, rotation of the torso, sideways bending, and compression of the abdomen. Next are the internal oblique muscles. The internal obliques are a pair of deep muscles that are just below the external oblique muscles. This muscle originates at the lumbar fascia, the outer portion of the inguinal ligament, and the back of the iliac crest. The internal oblique muscles support the abdominal wall, assist in respiration, compression of the abdomen, and trunk rotation. As with the rectus abdominis muscles, there are many different forms of exercise that will isolate the external oblique muscles. However, according to my research, the dumbbell side bend appears to be the most effective. Other popular exercises that aid in its improved function include, Russian twists, cable chops, oblique and bicycle …show more content…

This muscle is the deepest layer of the abdominal muscles. The transverse abdominal muscle runs horizontal to the rectus abdominis and supports the internal structures and organs of the abdomen. Although the transversus abdominis does not aid in spine or pelvis movement it does help to compress the ribs and viscera in order to stabilize the spine and pelvis during lifting movements. "Without a stable spine, one aided by proper contraction of the TVA, the nervous system fails to recruit the muscles efficiently, and functional movements cannot be properly performed (

More about Rectus Abdominis Exercise

Open Document