The job of muscles is to move bones.
Consisting of 4 overlapping muscular layers running in complementary directions, the design and location of your abs convey their importance.
1.Rectus Abdominis
The most superficial layer, the Rectus Abdominis, runs in a vertical line from the front of the pelvis up to the front of the ribs, and are well known as the “6-pack” muscle. It functions to bend the spine, whether to the front or the side, in actions like getting out of bed or fishing something out of the side pocket of your cargo pants.
2. External & Internal Obliques
Under the Rectus Abdominis runs the External Obliques, a layer running forward and downward in a diagonal reminiscent of the letter “V”. Beneath the Externals are the Internal Obliques, which run in a corresponding perpendicular diagonal, forward and upward, in a chevron shape. These complementary layers work to side bend, as well as twist your waist, in tasks as mundane as shoulder checking or as energizing as chopping wood.
3. Transversus Abdominis
The deepest layer is the Transversus Abdominis (TVA). It runs horizontally around the midsection and attaches from the thoracolumbar fascia in the lower back to the rectus sheath in the front. This deepest layer is involved in every action you perform, from breathing in meditation to kicking the winning goal. They have a precognitive aspect to them, firing to stabilize your lumbar spine before every movement you make.
4. Abdominal Wall
Occupying the space between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your pelvis, your abdominal wall surrounds your midsection like an old-fashioned corset. They are ideally positioned to support and protect your internal organs as well as give them a massage every time you breathe or move. All this leads to better digestion and promotes greater gut health. Acting together, they also compress our abdomens and perform such everyday actions as sneezing, laughing, urinating and defecating.
Together, the abdominals give the spine its characteristic freedom and resiliency.
Strong abdominals also serve to support and connect our spine, ribcage and pelvis, impacting every activity. With stronger abs, you’ll find you are able to lift heavier weights at the gym, swim farther and bike longer. Because of their central location, your abdominals are pivotal to coordinating movement between the opposing sides of your body, whether it be right to left, top to bottom, front to back or combinations of each. You’ll appreciate this every time you take a step and your arms and legs swing in opposing directions. Strong abs also influence your functionality in other ways.