Abs 101
Do you want a flat, toned stomach? Are you one of those women who follow motivational pages? Do you have an abdominal area which you would like to tone up, but do not know where to start? Well, allow me to give you a little bit of direction!
Before we get started, here's quick kinesiology lesson. Your abdominals are an integral set of muscles that support your trunk. Abs allow movement, hold organs together, keep your body stable and balanced, and protect your spine. There are four main abdominal muscles:
FRONT PLANK - 4 sets, 30 seconds at a time
Target Area: Transverse Abdominals
BASIC CRUNCHES - 4 sets, 50 reps
Target Area: Rectus Abdominis
- Transversus Abdominis: a.k.a the TVA muscle, is the deepest innermost layer of all abdominal muscles and is located underneath your rectus abdominis (the six-pack stomach muscle). The TVA muscle runs horizontally across the abdomen and is utilized whenever you move a limb.
- Rectus Abdominis: a.k.a. "The Six-Pack," are the long, flat muscles on the front of the abdomen. These connect the body between the sternum and the pubis, and they allow the entire body to bend forward or sideways.
- External Oblique Muscles: These are the outermost muscles of the trunk, located on each side of your abdominal area, and they allow the trunk to twist.
- Internal Oblique Muscles: These muscles are located right along the hip bones and work hand in hand with the external oblique muscles.


