Stomach Muscles

There are four groups of stomach muscles, or abdominal muscles. The rectus abdominis, the transverses abdominus, the external oblique and the internal oblique.

Since these muscles play an important role in the support of your spine and overall back health, they should be exercised routinely.

Not many people realize that when they do exercise for a flatter stomach they are actually getting the added bonus of a stronger back with less back pain!

Rectus Abdominis - A long flat muscle that extends the whole length of the front of the abdomen. It supports the muscles of the spine while keeping the abdominal organs in place. This muscle is responsible for flexing the lumbar spine while doing sit-ups.

Transversus Abdominis - This is the very deepest layer and runs horizontally underneath the Rectus Abdominis. Its wrap around effect is like that of a girdle, providing support and stability while contributing to good posture.

External Oblique - The external and internal oblique muscles run the closest to the surface. They allow the trunk to twist. to the opposite side of whichever external oblique is contracting.

Internal Oblique - Like the external oblique, this muscle runs closest to the surface and allows the trunk to twist, to the opposite side of whichever internal oblique muscle is contracting.

By putting these muscles to work as part of your regular exercise routine you will begin to feel improvements in your back muscles and a decrease in back pain.

Remember...

You need to stick with it! 

Exercise that you find to be helpful needs to be repeated routinely for optimal benefit. Need some help getting motivated?