Why Should You Twist? Part 2
By vishwa on Training
October 19, 2012
You should also know that your abdomen wall (including waist—internal and external obliques) has many layers. You have an outer layer (external obliques), a middle layer (internal obliques), an inner layer (tranverse abdominis), and on the front you have your rectus abdominis, the six-pack muscle. They are supported at the back by your spine which itself is supported on either side by your spinal erectors.
While each has its own duties the key is that all work together to protect your spine and internal organs. So, possessing a strong midsection assists you immensely to protect your spine. When you perform twisting exercises in your workouts, you are not only training your obliques to get stronger, you are also training your rectus abdominis to get stronger at resisting that twist.
As I reiterate, all exercises that require coordination and balance equally use these different layers of muscles. Moreover, your postural muscles, muscles that maintain the posture, such as your tranverse abdominis, internal obliques, and some of the small, strut-like muscles in your lower back and hips are also used and made strong.
You may ask me what I should do now. Perform multi-joint movement’s such as deadlift, squat, clean and press, farmers walk, etc. And add some twisting movements such as hip swings, windshield wipers, Russian twist, etc. Now you have covered all the important movements to build a strong and functionally fit body.