A well chiseled set of abdominal muscles– the much desired six-pack abs– is the holy grail of many gym-goers. While ripped abs are a marker, it is not the ultimate sign of fitness.
The abdomen consists of four sets of muscles– rectus abdominis, external oblique, transversus abdominis and internal oblique. The visual appeal– the six or even eight packs– is provided by the rectus abdominis muscles. While these muscles have a role in adding to the core strength, the other three abdominal muscles also play their part, albeit behind the scenes, so to speak. Then comes the other sets of muscles (that constitute the core) whose strength and conditioning has a bearing on all your physical exertions– from regular movement to playing sport.
So, it is important to strengthen all the muscles in the region. Six-pack abs can be an incidental gain but should not be taken as a sign that your core is balanced and strong.
Role of abdominal muscles
The four abdominal muscles are a part of 26 sets of muscles which constitute the core. As per a study published in the journal BRAZILIAN ARCHIVES OF DIGESTIVE SURGERY, this group of muscles support the abdominal and lumbopelvic regions, stabilising the spine and pelvis along with maintaining kinetic organisation during movement. When functioning properly, the muscles promote stability along with strength and any structural or neurological damage to these muscles can impair quality of life.
Don’t starve to get six-pack abs
“Just having a perfectly toned set of abs is definitely not a sign of fitness,” says Samir Mandal, a former powerlifter and senior fitness coach at VTC Gym, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. “Firstly, it is difficult or next to impossible to have perfectly shaped muscles naturally. Developing the muscles requires a lot of patience and discipline which many won’t have. It is also a practical thing.”
Mandal adds, “Nowadays, the younger generation resort to taking unwanted supplements as well as fat burners due to their obsession for ‘six-pack’ abs, which negatively impacts their body in the long run.”
A low body fat percentage is needed to make the abs stand out, and people abuse their bodies and diet to achieve that.
“Many a times, people tend to cut down on their food to lower body fat percentage without considering several other important factors which make their bodies weak,” says Mandal.
Set the right fitness goals
Cutting down on food weakens the body, making it prone to injuries and illnesses. Another common mistake people make is working out indiscriminately on the abdominal muscles. This could lead to fatigue, injuries and imbalances in muscle strength in the core region, leading to postural issues and instability.
The key is to keep in mind that fitness is not only about aesthetics but also strengthening and refining the body in a holistic sense. This would mean planning an exercise regimen and diet based on the body type, health condition and other physical parameters. Setting the right goal matters. Your gym membership should not only be for building six-pack abs, but forging a healthy and happy self.
Takeaways
- Six-pack abs are not a true indicator of fitness. The focus should not only be on chiseling the muscles, but also strengthening the core.
- Besides stabilising the spine and pelvis, the abdominal muscles (working in coordination with the other core muscles) help in maintaining kinetic organisation during functional movement.
- Cutting down on food should not be done indiscriminately to obtain six-pack abs. It weakens the body and can lead to injuries and illnesses.
