Rectus Abdominis Muscle
The rectus abdominis muscle runs vertically parallel each side of the linea alba which is on the anterior wall of the abdomen. This is the muscle every person knows as the “six pack”. Its primary function is to assist the lumbar region of your spine in movements, more specifically flexion.
Don’t believe it worked for me? Look at my pictures!
The Rectus abdominis inserts on your 5, 6, 7th ribs and your xipoid process while originating from your pubis / crest. More importantly the rectus abdominis muscles helps support the tilt of your pelvis and curve of your lower spine.
But in more recent times, there has been myths revolving around the rectus abdominis muscles, such as giving people the washboard ab appearance in their abdomen. People think they can achieve this washboard look if they perform endless sets of abdominal crunches and sit-ups. Most people think the rectus abdominis is the main muscle of your abdomen, when in fact it is not. There are four different muscles which make up your abdomen the most important probably being the Transversus Abdominis muscle(TVA).
Contrary to popular belief, the rectus abdominis is not the largest abdominal muscle either. The external obliques are. Since people believe that the rectus abdominis is the largest abdominal muscle, most often than not they also believe that it is the most superficial of all the muscles too. This is also wrong.
The rectus abdominis’s primary function is to help flex the spin, but it also helps when you bend at the side. More importantly the rectus abdominis makes up your upper portion of your abs, while your obliques and transverse abdominis make up your lower portion.
Media and popular culture has put a lot of emphasis on the rectus abdominis because it is a “show off” muscle. Girls like it, and guys love to show their six packs off.
Click Here to learn how get that flatter stomach and six pack you’ve always wanted for summer!
