Rectus Abdominis

This is the group of abdominal muscles known as the six-pack.  It consists of your upper and lower abs and is responsible for carrying out any crunching movement patterns (Bringing your ribcage closer to your pelvis).

Transverse Abdominis

This muscle lies beneath the Rectus Abdominis, and is the major muscle used when engaging or tightening your abs.  Its muscle fibres run horizontally unlike the rectus abdominis that run vertically.  The main function of the transverse abdominis is to initiate abdominal compression during intense exhalation, which is extremely important when carrying out any core exercises

Obliques

Also known as you’re ‘Love handles’ situated above your hips.  We all have a set of internal and external obliques which are responsible for trunk rotation and lateral flexion of the torso.  The external obliques are superficial whereas the internal obliques are hidden deep underneath.  The obliques are quite often missed from an abdominal routine, however they should definitely be included to improve your overall core stability.

Trev
www.SprintPersonalTraining.co.uk

Why do we need to have a good digestive system?

Having good digestion is essential for the body to absorb vital nutrients from the foods that we eat.  Poor digestion can lead to several problems, some of which can be seen below.

Acid Reflux / Indigestion                   
An uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the stomach or a burning pain.

Gall Stones                                       
The formation of gall stones may block our bile ducts which will prevent bile from passing through to break down fats in the small intestine.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome                   
Is the fluctuating bowel motion that may cause abdominal bloating and an uncomfortable full feeling.

Constipation                                     
An insufficient supply of fibre and water from your diet may slow down your bowel motions, making it harder to pass faecal matter.

What you can do to improve your digestion.

1)      Exercise to keep regular bowel motions

2)      Sit down and rest while you eat.  If you rush while eating you may upset your stomach.  So give your body
         time to digest its food.

3)      Drink plenty of water to hydrate and keep your digestive system working well.

4)      Drink Peppermint tea to reduce uncomfortable abdominal bloating.

5)      Drink hot water and lemon with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to stimulate stomach acidity.

6)      Reduce stimulants that allow acids to leave the stomach (Caffeine, alcohol)

7)      Stimulate your digestive system with foods like pineapple, papaya, and rocket leaves.

8)      Eat fibrous foods to maintain regular bowel motions (Fruit with skin, linseed or flaxseed, and raw vegetables).

9)      Reduce you intake of saturated fats, caffeine, and alcohol.  This enables your liver to produce the bile needed to break down fats.

Trev
www.SprintPersonalTraining.co.uk