Pop Quiz! - Abdominal Muscle

Here are your possible answers:

a.6

b.2

c.3

d.4

e.none of the above

Congratulations  for all of you that picked letter d, you aced an exam easier than an open book test... an open internet test! The toughest part of this was to type it into a Google search, give yourself a pat on the back. Two pats if you didn't cheat! I thought only Shrek was like an onion, but apparently we are too.

The four layers (from most superficial to most deep) in the human body are:

1. Rectus Abdominis
2. External Obliques
3. Internal Obliques
4. Transverse Abdominis (TVA)

• Rectus Abdominis is the 'six pack' muscle

• Both sets of obliques twist and rotate the body

• The TVA can be activated by drawing-in

• Most exercisers routines only put emphasis on the top 3 layers

• The TVA is related to core stability and prevention/relief of lower back pain

• Reverse crunches or exercises that bring the hips toward the ribs emphasize the lower part of the r ectus abdominis and obliques

Better Study Next Time!