In fitness, some people are confused about the topic of upper abs exercises and lower abs exercises, so here is some information to set the record straight. The main muscle, that people talk about when they discuss the upper abs and lower abs, is the rectus abdominus. Rectus means straight, and abdominus refers to the abdomen. So simply put, the rectus abdominus runs straight down the abdomen. The rectus abdominus is also the muscle that gives a lean person that six pack look.
The rectus abdominus is 1 muscle, but it has tendinous intersections that separate muscle fibers forming distinct sections. Many argue that rectus abdominus is a single muscle and you can’t isolate certain parts of the muscle. Yes, you can’t isolate only one section but you can emphasize one area over another.Confusion naturally arises when people are unclear where to use the words isolate and emphasize.
Our nervous has thousands of intricately designed nerve cells and nerve ending which help us to move with grace, be agile, be accurate and lot more functions. The rectus abdominus has thousands of nerve endings which look like an interwoven cluster of wires. These nerve endings help in coordinating various movements of the body. The upper and lower abs are also emphasizes when we do various movements. The upper abs, i.e. the upper part of rectus abdominus is emphasized well when we move the trunk forward as in crunches or sit ups. Ball crunches, crunch machines and ab training machines train our upper abs appreciably.Even though the upper abs are emphasized during crunches, crunches also work the lower abs. The entire rectus abdominus will work during any abs exercise when your trunk bends forwards or flexes.
The lower abs, which form the lower part of the rectus abdominus are emphasized whn the pelvis moves towards the trunk. This happens in reverse crunches. Leg raises and flutter kicks also work out the lower abs. You should note that even in reverse crunches the upper abs are trained but more stress is given to lower abs only.
I must warn you that these abdominal exercises will not just like that melt our fat away. Doing upper abs exercises and lower abs exercises alone is not definitely going to melt that fat away.. This is known as the spot reduction myth. If you want to lose stomach fat, you should use a comprehensive approach to fitness and healthy eating.
You must do abdominal exercises minimum 2-3 times a week. Include both upper and lower abs exercises, do various other abs exercises and from various directions to get a more balanced body.
