Abdominal Muscle Groups

Abdominal Muscle Groups

The abdominal muscles support the trunk, allow movement and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure. Consult with your doctor, physiotherapist, or sports physician for proper diagnosis and treatment of abdominal muscle injuries.

When you decide to add some abdominal exercises to your exercise program, be careful about which ones you choose. A qualified fitness instructor can help you develop a safe, effective program. If you have a pre-existing injury or medical condition, consult an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist.

Abdominal muscle groups

Abdominal muscle groups

The 4 main abdominal muscle groups include:

  • Rectus abdominis – slung between the ribs and the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. When contracting, this muscle has the characteristic bumps or bulges that are commonly called ‘the six-pack’. The main function of the rectus abdominis is to move the body between the ribcage and the pelvis

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  • Transversus abdominis – the deepest muscle layer. Its main roles are to stabilize the trunk and maintain internal abdominal pressure
  • Internal oblique muscles – these flank the rectus abdominis and are located just inside the hipbones. They operate in the opposite way to the external oblique muscles. For example, twisting the trunk to the left requires the left side internal oblique and the right side external oblique to contract together.
  • External oblique muscles – these are on each side of the rectus abdominis. The external oblique muscles allow the trunk to twist, but to the opposite side of whichever external oblique is contracting. For example, the right external oblique contracts to turn the body to the left

You can strain your abdominal muscles from overstretching or overuse. Prevention strategies include regular stretching, warming up prior to exercise and cooling down afterward, and keeping good form while playing sport.

Core muscles

Your core muscles are the muscles deep within the abdominals and back, attaching to the spine or pelvis. Some of these muscles include the transversus abdominis, the muscles of the pelvic floor, and the oblique muscles.

Think of your core as a strong column that links the upper body and lower body together. Having a solid core creates a foundation for all activities. All our movements are powered by the torso – the abdominals and back work together to support the spine when we sit, stand, bend over, pick things up, exercise, and more.

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