The different layers of abdominal muscles.

When your abdominal muscles are working properly they provide essential protection for your spine. Sadly, this is not the case for many people. I see this in the large number of troublesome backs that come through my office.

There are four layers of abdominal muscles. The deep layers are among the most important for stabilizing the lower back. These muscles are all too often weak and uncoordinated.

Sit-ups and crunches exercise primarily the more superficial layer of these core muscles. Sometimes these muscles are strong but without the deep abdominal muscles functioning properly your spine is at risk.

It takes more than sit ups to properly strengthen and coordinate all layers of your abdominal muscles. For maximum protection of your back seek coaching on how to strengthen and coordinate all the abdominal and other core muscles that stabilize the spine. read more…