This is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine. Rodja is a Fitness Consultant and the owner of REPTS.
Your Abs Workout: All Together Now
Even some pretty buff, experienced gym denizens have been misled: They think that just because our abdominal muscle typically has six distinct bumps, those bumps can be individually exercised. Not true. In fact, the rectus abdominis muscle functions as a single unit and comprises all those bumps; there’s no physiological separation between its upper and lower areas!
While there are many reasons why this myth persists, these two are the most likely:
1. Anatomy creates an illusion.
The rectus abdominis is divided by the linea alba, a thick vertical band of connective tissue. Additionally, three (or sometimes four) horizontal fibrous bands cross over the linea alba. These bands conspire to create the visual impression of six or eight individual muscles. (Hence, the “six pack.”)
2. Some exercises can mimic an isolated workout.
As noted in Men’s Journal, certain exercises targeting the abdomen engage other muscles, such as the hip flexors. Performing these exercises can give you the false sensation of working a lower portion of your abs.
The upshot: No matter what fancy abs-specific contortion you’re mastering, it’s working one big ab muscle. So the next time someone goes on about “lower abs” exercises in the gym or you see a late-night infomercial for a lower-abs miracle worker, you can chuckle knowingly and walk away or change the channel: You know the truth!
Keeping on your fitness game–with or without a personal trainer– is easier than ever with Repts4Life workouts. here’s a fitness program to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Personalized programs are also available for a nominal fee. REPTS is located on the Gros Islet Hi-Way in Rodney Bay (opposite RJ Clarke). Call 758-722-3763 for details and to schedule a FREE consultation and trial session. You can also visit repts online at reptsfitness.com or on facebook at facebook.com/repts.fitness