| You hear a lot of talk these days about the | | | | front of the abdomen. The obliques are the muscles |
| importance of a stable abdominal core. Core stability | | | | you'll want to tone to achieve the "V-cut" or |
| maintains the health of the spine and improves | | | | "Money-maker" abs. |
| athletic performance, among other great benefits. | | | | ** Transverse Abdominus: located under the obliques, |
| But have you ever wondered exactly what muscles | | | | TVA muscles are the deepest core muscles, and |
| are being referred to when your "core" is mentioned? | | | | wrap around the spine for protection and stability. |
| ** Rectus Abdominus: probably the most famous of | | | | ** Hip Flexors: this muscle group is located in the |
| all stable abdominal core muscles, these are your "six | | | | front of the pelvis and upper thigh. |
| pack" abs. They are located front and center of the | | | | ** Gluteus Medius, Minimus and Maximus, the |
| abdomen, and they are responsible for flexing the | | | | Hamstrings and Piriformis: all work to stabilize the |
| spine. | | | | thighs and pelvis, and perform the movements of the |
| ** Erector Spinae Group: This group of three long | | | | hips. |
| muscles running from the back of the neck through | | | | ** Hip adductors: the inner thigh muscles. |
| the lower back are the spinal extensors. | | | | Each of these muscles and muscle groups has a |
| ** Multifidus: located below the erectors along the | | | | contribution to a stable abdominal core, and none is |
| vertebral column, these muscles extend and rotate | | | | more important than the other. Strengthening all of |
| the spine. | | | | these muscles will flatten your stomach, strengthen |
| ** Obliques (Internal and External): the obliques run in | | | | your back and keep you performing better in all |
| opposite directions of each other along the side and | | | | aspects of life. |