Why the Abs Aren't your Regular Muscle Group?!

The abdominal muscles are a very important muscle group. We all probably know that. But they are not your regular muscle group. There are many reasons why, but for that we need to look deeper in the anatomy of the abs.

The Abdominal Muscles

The Abdominal Muscles consist of 5 different muscles formed in 2 groups: The Middle Part(The Rectus Abdominis, The Pyramidalis) and The Lateral Anterior Abdomen (Transversus Abdominis, Internal Abdominal Oblique & External Abdominal Oblique)

Just stick with me, it is actually fairly simple!

The Middle Part

The Rectus Abdominis

It is the main muscle from the core. It is responsible for the muscles that form six packs, but not for the lines dividing them. For example, the line which splits your abs in the two right and left parts is named linea alba and is formed by the Obliques and Transversus Abdominis while the muscles themselves are a part of the Rectus Abdominis.

The Rectus Abdominis plays a big part in your posture, because it helps flex the spine like in crunches. It helps with breathing, coughing and assists in the defe

cation and processes alike.

Exercises for the Rectus Abdominis are: Almost all abs exercises use this muscle, but the ones that don't include rotations are better for this muscle

The Pyramidalis

Even though it is a small muscle, it is important to know what the Pyramidalis is. It is found anterior to the previous muscle and it is small in size. It doesn't have important functions, but together with the Rectus Abdominis they are enclosed in The Rectus Sheath, which is formed by the other 3 muscles I will explain next

Exercise for the Pyramidalis are: Floor exercises, Stability ball exercises,

Pull up bar exercises

The Lateral Anterior Abdomen

The External Abdominal Oblique

The External Oblique is the outermost muscle of the three that form the lateral anterior abdomen. The main purpose that this muscle serves is flexing or bending the trunk, while working together with the Internal Oblique form the other side. It also helps to pull the chest downwards to compress the abdominal cavity.

Exercises for the External Oblique: Anything involving rotation like side planks, russian twist & side bends.

The Internal Abdominal Oblique

The Internal Abdominal Oblique is found between the External Oblique and Transversus Abdominis.

It plays a very vital part in breathing, acting as an antagonist to the diaphragm to help reduce the volume of the chest cavity when exhaling.

Also, the Internal Oblique helps with side-bending and rotation, working along with the External Oblique from the other side.

Exercises for the Internal Oblique: Same as for the External Oblique, anything involving rotation like side planks, russian twist & side bends.

The Transversus Abdominis

It is the deepest muscle in the abdomen. It is a very important muscle when training as it is the base for the other muscles we just mentioned.

There is a big difference between the fibers which form the 3 muscles: The Transversus Abdominis has its

fibers going horizontally, the External Obliques has its fibers going downwards at an angle of 45 degrees and the Internal Obliques going upwards at an 45 degree angle. That means that the fibers from the 2 Oblique muscles are perpendicularly on each other.

Exercises for the Transversus Abdominis: Anything involving resistance exercises like planks and exercises which involve leg movement.

But most of the abdominal exercises require a mat and, if you don't have one, I highly recommend buying one. The one that I use is here.

Ok, enough with the abdomen anatomy, it is time for the question you came for.....

Why is the abdomen different from the other muscles?!

Well, let's state the obvious first. It is one of the few muscles that is not observable if you have a high body fat percentage. This actually makes it unique. With all the other muscles, the harder you train them, the bigger they get.

But is not the same with the abdominal muscles. More than anything the diet influences how clear this muscles can be seen.

On the other hand, this muscle is the one that ties everything together. It is used in a crazy number of other exercises which are for completely different muscles like pull ups or bench presses. Some athletes choose not to work their abs, while other people only train the abs hoping they would get a 6 pack.

In a way, the abs work like the forearms, they help in many other exercises and do not necessarily require separate training.

Another thing that makes the abs special is that, compared to the other muscles, you just can't progress by adding more weight as it will have harmful effects on your spine. A bigger number of reps is a way better choice.

Conclusion

Abs are a very different muscle from the others. They tie everything together and aid you in a lot of exercises. Diet plays a very important part in how your abs look. Some choose to train them every day, while others don't train them at all.Also, your diet plays a very important part in how your abs look.

But in the end, balance is key like in everything there is.

If you have any questions, be sure to leave them directly in my inbox or in the comment section. See you soon!