Toned Abs: Why You Should Want One
For most people, beefing up their abs is merely done for bodybuilding reasons. Indeed, nobody can undermine or doubt the appeal of six-pack abs. Those who engage in bodybuilding often feel more confident because of their strong midsection. Thus, you would no longer have to worry about your physique being an anxiety cause. Nevertheless, what most people fail to understand is that the importance of having strong abdominal muscles goes beyond having a good-looking body. It is imperative to highlight that having strong abdominal muscles is also an important part of a person’s overall fitness.
PostureBecause your abdominal muscles are attached to your pelvis and spine, your abs can surely affect the way your body keeps its balance. Your abs can also help your body maintain proper posture. The failure of the midsection to keep the balance and support posture can cause or trigger back pains. These back pains can worsen into serious injuries and illnesses if not attended to. Strengthening your abs is one of the most highly recommended steps to prevent back pains. Fortunately, there is a wide array of exercises you can do without the need to go to the gym or to use fitness equipment. Even when you are working in front of a computer, you can use an exercise ball as a chair.
Balance
Balance is another crucial aspect of physical fitness that could largely be affected by abdominal strength because your midsection is located just at the center of gravity. Anyone who has weak abs will surely have difficulties in walking, sitting, standing and other typical physical actions. Those with paralysis in their abdominal muscles could not keep their balance by themselves. On the other hand, those who have paralysis in their legs only will have very minimal balance difficulties. Simple balancing exercises will already be very helpful. You can always start by sitting on an exercise ball then rolling your hips to different directions.
Breathing
Efficient breathing is very crucial, especially in athletes’ performance. For efficient breathing and maximum oxygen consumption, your abdominal muscles also have a role to play. By contracting your diaphragm, your abdominal muscles help in releasing carbon dioxide smoothly and more efficiently. As your abdominal muscles push the diaphragm upward, they also increase the pressure in expelling air from the lungs. If you can breathe better, you will find it easier and less taxing to do even the most physically rigorous tasks. Your body will also have an easier and faster replenishment of the energy consumed during those tasks.
Trunk stability
When you perform a variety of physical movements and tasks, you will definitely need to rotate your trunk. Twists and turns are very common in most sports. Together with the back muscles, your abdominal muscles will make sure that these twists, turns and rotations are possible. These parts of an individual’s body work together to make the movements as smooth, quick and graceful as possible. Your midsection will contract its muscles to control your trunk. It can also help your trunk rotate in situations that would need bending or twisting motions. Thus, it would not be a surprise that both types of abdominal movements are integrated in athletic training programs.
Both young and old should realize the importance of having a strong midsection. Although the most visible benefit of having a six-pack abs is looking hot, your abdominal strength is an integral part of your overall health and fitness.
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License: Creative Commons image source
About the Author:
Ryan Rivera used to suffer from the symptoms of anxiety attacks for seven years. He now dedicates his life helping other anxiety sufferers through his writings. You can read more of his articles at Calm Clinic.
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Tags: abdominal muscles, body building, Exercise, fitness, Gym Guide, Six Pack Abs, toned abs, Trunk stability
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