The Lower Abs Myth
abs, lower abs, fitness myths
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Some fitness experts will tell you there are distinct "upper and lower" abdominals, which need to be exercised differently. Others say that rectus abdominis (the six-pack look is the result of bands of connective tissue that "cut" into rectus abdominis) is just one muscle, and doing separate exercises for the upper and lower abs is a waste of time.
So.... who is right!?
Some studies do appear to show that certain exercises are more effective for the lower abs than others.
Scientists from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, for example, used electromyography (known simply as EMG) to measure abdominal muscle activity during various exercises, including the trunk curl, reverse curl, v-sit, and twist curl.
• Of the exercises tested, the reverse curl led to the greatest amount of activity in the lower abdominals.
• The trunk curl, reverse curl, twist curl, and v-sit all resulted in similar amounts of upper abdominal activity.
This study suggests that you can put greater emphasis on the upper or lower abdominals depending on the exercise you do. But it certainly doesn't show that you can work the lower and upper rectus abdominis separately.
More interesting still, Professor Stuart McGill, an expert in spine function at the University of Waterloo in Canada, points out that a distinct upper and lower rectus abdominis does not exist in most people.
Personally, I don't think it's necessary to make any special attempt to "isolate" the lower abs.
I also believe that all the talk about the "upper" and "lower" abs ignores what is probably the most important part of getting your abs to show.... It's all about low body fat!
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on 5/19/2008
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