A Strong Core
AT ANY AGE
The list of ways to work your abs is seemingly endless. But when it comes to focusing on the lower abs, effective routines can be hard to come by. Just to be clear, you technically don’t have separate “lower abs” and “upper abs.” When that reference is made, people are talking about different areas of the “rectus abdominis” which is one of the muscles that make up your abs. The rectus abdominis runs from the sternum to the pelvis…Think “6-pack.”
However, it is possible to primarily activate one part of the rectus abdominis. The particular movement you’re doing will determine which part of the muscle (and the rest of the ab area) is working. For example, crunches hit more of the upper area, while leg lifts target more of the lower area.
So when you work your core, it’s important that you’re targeting all muscles, including the lower section of the rectus abdominis.
Try these 4 moves that engage and train your rectus abdominis…
The lower part of the abs may be the hardest place on your body to tone.
If it seems like your training isn’t targeting your lower abs, then try today’s unique blend of engage and train the lower part of your abs.
Don’t miss the third move, the reverse crunch! With this very precise movement, you can target the lower part of the belly by tucking the pelvis toward your naval, then back to neutral. This causes that muscle to shorten and lengthen while lifting the weight of your lower body.
Unleash strong abs at any age!
Keep in mind, you technically don’t have separate “lower abs” and “upper abs.” When that reference is made, it’s in reference to the “rectus abdominis” which is one of the muscles that makes up your abs.
The rectus abdominis is a sheath that runs from the sternum to the pelvis. The reason a six-pack looks like separate muscles is because there are tendons that run across the body, making dents in the muscle.
The muscle tapers as it runs downward. It’s wider near your ribs and more narrow by your hips. Because there’s a smaller area to tone in this lower section, it’s trickier to target.
It is possible to primarily activate a specific portion of the rectus abdominis. The part of the muscle that’s working is dependent on the movement. For example, crunches target more of the upper area, while reverse crunches target more of the lower area.
