Stomachmuscles.net

Oblique muscles help to make up the 6 abdominal muscles. Along with transversus abdominus and rectus abdominus, the external and internal obliques are located between the pelvis and ribs on the front of the body and make up the 4 main abdominal muscles. These four muscle groups together cover the internal organs completely. The abdominal oblique muscle group works with the others to support the body, hold organs in place, and allow for movement. Both external and internal oblique muscle have the main function of flexing the spinal column and allowing for sideways bending. The two different obliques sit at right angles to each other and are also known as opposite-side rotators. When the body is rotated to the left, the abdominal external oblique muscle on the right allow for the movement.

The internal obliques are transverse and set deep in the abdomen just below the external obliques. The lower fibers of these muscles run nearly horizontally and create an inverted V shape. They primarily affect the spine, pelvis, and ribs. The lateral and upper fibers play a role in breathing and rotating the spine while the lower work with the transverse to support and contain the organs.

The external obliques are located on either side of the torso and are more superficial. They have less of an affect on body posture but play an important roll in rotation and movement of the spine. These muscles are inverted from the internal and form the shape of a V from the bottom of the ribs to the front of the pelvis. The external obliques serve an important roll in exhaling, tilting the pelvis and rotating the ribs in opposite directions from one another.

If the primary goal is to say healthy and keep a strong abdominal section, oblique exercises should be strict in form and under control. Starting by simply squatting and twisting at the waist only is best. As the core strengthens, more difficult exercises that involve the whole body can be added. Until there is proper form established, jumping into the harder exercises will only result in injury. A beginning exercise that helps to establish proper form is called the wood chop and is performed easily at home or the gym. Hold a weighted ball in both hands to one side of the head. Make sure the feet are shoulder width apart. Simply take the ball and drop it across the body to the waist line on the opposite side from which you started. Move back to the start position and repeat.

With any exercise, it is important to work both sides of the body the same amount at each workout. As with all muscle training, injuries are possible. Side strain, muscle tears, and hernias are all possible. Establishing proper form is key. Its is also important to slowly warm the muscles up the oblique muscles before any exercises.