Trying To Look For A Good Ab Workout
2 Jan 2010Over the years I have let myself go. By that I mean I stopped exercising and let myself gain weight. I went to my doctor and he said, “An effective abdominal workout would be wonderful for you!” I did not share in his delightful attitude. I was ready for a change, but did not want to work, especially on my abs.
Of course, he had to give me all the technical details. I am a simple woman and cannot decipher all that mumbo jumbo about lower ab workouts. I asked him to tell me in layman terms why, exactly, people should work their ab muscles. What is the use? Since I am lazy about exercising, I was hoping he would tell me it was only about aesthetics.
Here we go: The Obliques. Yes, the name sounds lovely coming off the tongue, but apparently they are needed to help my posture stabilize. Wow! I really was not expecting to hear this. Terry (my friend’s name) also told me the obliques help with side movements and rotating my torso.
Transversus Abdominis were the next difficult words. Goodness me! I hope I never have to spell it. My doctor said that very few people know this part of the abdomen exists! I wondered why. He said it is a part of the abdomen that cannot easily be seen. So, most also do not know this helps you to shoot out air forcefully from your lungs. I never realized this.
Finally: Rectus Abdominis. This muscle is what most people call “abs.” The first words out of my mouth were, “rectal abs” when Terry told me their official name. These are those beautiful abdominal muscles men love to show. Of course, I notice them. Who does not? We women do, so much, adore those wonderful toned stomachs!
You use your abdomen muscles daily. They help you sit-up, bend over, turn, reach. Without them you would not have the abilities you enjoy. These muscles are the core you should keep strong. These are the foundation that the rest of your muscles rely upon.
I did not imagine that the tissue lying over my stomach was so vital to my well being. I am enthusiastic about exercise now. I am not worried about the “beauty” part of abs, but I am concerned about how these affect my daily life. How will this change my way of life in later years? I want to be able to care for myself when I reach my golden years. I had better take care of them now.
