Anatomy of the Abdominal Muscles

The Abdominals are composed of several muscles: the Rectus Abdominus, Transverse Abdominus, and the External and Internal Obliques.

The Abdominal muscles sit on the front and sides of the lower half of the torso, originating along the rib cage and attaching along the pelvis.

The Rectus Abdominus muscle is commonly known as the "six-pack" muscle of the abs. Thin bands of connective tissue give it that appearance.

The Transverse Abdominus (also known as the Transversus) is the deepest muscle of the core (meaning it's underneath all the other muscles). It wraps laterally around the abdominal area.

The fibers of External and Internal Obliques run diagonally on the body, allowing for angled movement.

Rectus Abdominus

Flex the spine (bringing the rib cage closer to the pelvis). This is seen in the abdominal crunching movement. When the movement is reversed, the Rectus Abdominus acts to bring the pelvis closer to the rib cage (e.g. with a leg raise movement).

Transverse Abdominus

Acts as a natural weight belt, keeping your insides in. This muscle is essential for trunk stability as well as keeping your waist tight.

Internal and External Obliques

Work to rotate the torso and stabilize the abdomen.

Some common exercises that work the Abdominals include:

4 Unique Workouts
for Chiseled Abs

Did you know that 99% of "conventional" ab workouts and exercises target the hip flexors more than the abs? It's true.

"Hip-flexor dominant" exercises and technique is at the heart of inferior ab development which is why I would like to share this brand new article from a professional fitness model sharing his 4 unique ab workouts:

==> 4 Unique Workouts for Chiseled Abs

Not knowing how to de-emphasize your hip flexors will cripple your ability to reveal the full shape and separation of your abdominals -- not to mention the lower back pain and poor posture that can occur with overdeveloped hip flexors.

==> 4 Unique Workouts for Chiseled Abs