Core Conditioning - Abdominals

The number one reason exercisers have an interest in abdominal work is for cosmetic reasons and treat the gaining of a 'Six Pack' as their Holy Grail of fitness and conditioning. There is also a second even more important reason for focussing on developed abdominals and that is CORE STABILITY !!

What is the 'Core' then?
Simply put it is the muscles in the trunk area of the body, front and LOWER BACK.

4 muscles at the front are;
RECTUS ABDOMINIS - Primary abdominal muscle. It's the one you see on people with a flat stomachs (Six Pack) BUT it is not six seperate muscles !! It is all one muscle with hoizontal fibrous bands and vertical connective tissue (Linea Alba) which separates the 'Six Sections' 
EXTERNAL OBLIQUES, INTERNAL OBLIQUES,TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS - Which run superficial to deep on the sides of the abdominal area with only the EXTERNAL OBLIQUES visible. All these muscle fibres run horizontally or diagonally and bend your spine side-to-side and rotate it. 

Why do you need a strong , balanced core ?

You use your core all the time and especially when exercising. Your strength, balance, speed and posture will improve dramatically, as well as helping alleviate back / hip problems.  

Lets get back to the 'Six Pack'. The difficulty is that most humans (body type dependent) store fat around the waist. That is why it is easier to see your biceps - as the abs are covered in fat. Women have an even harder time because women have a greater amount of essential fat - part of the trade off for bringing new life into the world !!

Of all the things you hear about abdominals, one thing is true..

ALL PEOPLE WITH FLAT STOMACHS OR A SIX PACK HAVE LOW PERCENTAGE OF BODY FAT 

You can train abs forever but you won't see the muscles until you eliminate the fat covering them !!

So, there are two parts to this;

1. Strengthening and defining the abdominal muscles and;

2. Decreasing body fat levels so YOU CAN SEE the muscles

To achieve this you need the Resistance work,Cardio work and good nutrition

In later posts i will look at abdominal exercises and general nutrition