Regular readers of AbFitt know I complete each workout with a fifteen minute ab circuit focusing on either the lower, upper or sides of the abdominal area. I train abs like every other body part-with weight and from many different angles. Here is a detailed break down of your abdominal's. Educating yourself will allow you to develop your own routine.
What Are the Core Muscles?
Different experts include different muscles in this list, but in general the muscles of the core run the length of the trunk and torso. The following list includes the most commonly identified core muscles as well as the lesser known groups.
Rectus Abdominis - located along the front of the abdomen, this is the most well-known abdominal muscle and is often referred to as the "six-pack" due to it's appearance in fit and thin individuals.
Erector Spinae- This group of three muscles runs along your neck to your lower back.
Multifidus - located under the erector spinae along the vertebral column, these muscles extend and rotate the spine.
External Obliques - located on the side and front of the abdomen.
Internal Obliques - located under the external obliques, running in the opposite direction.
Transverse Abdominis (TVA) - located under the obliques, it is the deepest of the abdominal muscles (muscles of your waist) and wraps around your spine for protection and stability.
Hip Flexors - located in front of the pelvis and upper thigh. The muscles that make up the hip flexors include: psoas major, illiacus, rectus femoris, pectineus, sartorius
Gluteus medius and minimus - located at the side of the hip
Gluteus maximus, hamstring group, piriformis - located in the back of the hip and upper thigh leg.
Hip adductors - located at medial thigh.