Abdominal Muscles Anatomy

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com Guide

Updated February 03, 2013

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Now that you have a basic understanding of what the abdominal muscles are and how they work, you can design workouts that actually target these muscles.

Tips for Designing an Effective Abdominal Exercise Routine

• Select 5 to 10 exercises that combine:
  1. Spinal flexion - such as:
     • Ab Crunch on an Exercise Ball
     • Long Arm Crunch
     • Reverse Crunch
     • Basic Crunch
     • Captain's Chair
  2. Rotation - such as:
     • Bicycle Crunch
     • Seated Oblique Twists with Medicine Ball
  3. Lateral Flexion - such as:
     • Crossover Crunch
     • Standing Side Bends
• Perform 10 repetitions of each exercise and move to the next exercise.
• Change your exercise routine every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Maintain good form with each muscle contraction.
• Contract your abs and pull your belly button in toward your spine with each contraction.
• Maintain a slow and controlled movement.
• Support your head when you need to, but don't pull on your head or pull your chin to your chest.

Previous

• Abdominal Muscles Anatomy - What They Are and How They Work
• Abdominal Muscles Anatomy - The Rectus Abdominis
• Abdominal Muscle Anatomy - The External Obliques
• Abdominal Muscle Anatomy - The Internal Obliques
• Abdominal Muscle Anatomy - The Transversus Abdominis
• The Hip Flexors
• Design an Effective Abdominal Exercise Routine
• Great Ab Exercises To Try

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