Core / Abs

When core muscles are weak or there’s an imbalance (ie some muscles are stronger than others) a common side effect is back pain. If you have weak muscles, poor posture and/or excess weight your back will be one of the first places that you feel the strain.

Core / Ab Exercises  |  Frequently Asked Questions

Transverse Abdominis (TVA) 

• The deepest of the abdominal muscles, this lies under the oblique’s (muscles of your waist). It acts like a weight belt, wrapping around your spine for protection and stability.
• Target Exercise: Plank

External Oblique’s

• These muscles are on the side and front of the abdomen, around your waist.
• Target Exercise: Arm Sweep

Internal Oblique’s

• These muscles lie under the external oblique’s, running in the opposite direction.
• Target Exercise: Crossover Crunch

Rectus Abdominis 

• The Rectus Abdominis is a long muscle that extends along the front of the abdomen. This is the 'six-pack' part of the abs that becomes visible with reduced body fat.
• Target Exercise: Crunch 

Erector Spinae

• The erector spinae is actually a collection of three muscles along your neck to your lower back.
• Target Exercise: Back Extension

Question: How do I get six-pack or washboard abs?

Answer: Where is the one place you tend to store extra fat? If you said your abs, you're not alone. Genetically, many of us hoard extra fat around our bellies and it's difficult to get rid of. If you want flatter abs, get the facts and learn the right way to reach your goals.
How do I get six-pack or washboard abs?

The first thing you need to understand is this: We all have six-pack abs. Six-packs aren't 'created' by doing ab exercises, they already exist. The reason most of us can't see our abs is because they're covered by a layer of fat. What this means is that:

• Doing ab exercises to achieve a six-pack is an impossible goal
• The only way to see your six-pack is to reduce your body fat
• The best way to reduce your body fat is with cardio, strength training and a healthy, low-calorie diet

This doesn't mean that ab exercises serve no purpose--strong abs support your spine and protect your back, especially when you focus on building core strength. However, keep in mind that your ab workout is just one part of a complete program when it comes to getting a six-pack.