Your Transversus abdominis is a lot like a wingman!

by Ross Edgley

It’s Sunday Morning and after waking 20 minutes ago on my mate’s sofa I now sit here and bask in the glory of a grand night at the drinking establishment known as, “Crazy Larry’s.” Me and my friend James rocked up, busted some shapes on the dance floor and then I proceeded to obtain the number of Chrissie, a lovely tanned brunette, blue eyed make up artist from London. And so now I sit here composing a text to the young lady, yet half way through I stop….and I think the acquisition of this fair maidens number could not have been possible without the outstanding work of my wingman. Yes James’ role as my wingman when wooing is much like the role of the transversus abdominis when training for a six pack (inner layer of the stomach) it’s integral to your success however is often forgotten since they work mainly behind the scenes. As always let me share my musings;

Firstly the transversus abdominis is the deepest of the abdominal muscles, others being the internal and external obliques and the rectus abdominis. Receiving a lot less publcity than it’s more superficial counterparts that produce the six-pack, the transversus abdominis has (in my opinion) 3 important roles:

- Is essential to the core strength of the human body and thus the prevention of injury

- Can make the stomach look tight, thin and chisseled

- Can make the rectus abomdinis (6 pack) stick out more

Transversus abdominis and the prevention of injuries

As mentioned before the transversus abdominis plays a very important role in the core strength of the body, it is in essence the body's natural weight-lifting belt, stabilizing the pelvis and spine so other exercises can be performed well (i.e. dead lift, squat.) A poor transversus abdominis can often lead to poor core stability and poor core stability can lead to accidents, much like the recruitment of a poor wingman when venturing out to a nightclub could. You see you may be arm-in-arm, gazing lovingly into the eyes of a Beyonce look-alike dancing to the last, slow song of the night thinking nothing could go wrong…BUT….with a poor wingman (transversus abdominis) accidents can happen, and from nowhere your friend comes charging and begins moshing with you to the sound of Barry Whites velvety voice.

Transversus abdominis and a tight, chiselled stomach

Although the transversus abdominis is not solely responsible for producing that all important bulging six pack, it is responsible for the creation of a lovely thin and tight mid-section, giving you that classic V-taper. One way to develop a strong and firm core is to practice the isometric contraction of the abdomen area i.e. holding your stomach in whilst continuing to breathe normally. This can either be done through the ‘plank’ or just practice holding your stomach in whilst watching tv with the girlfriend (NOTE: This should only be done if you know the girl well, don’t blame me if she thinks you’re weird.) This is once again exactly like the work of your faithful wingman, not noticed all that much but can make all the difference between you being perceived as Casanova or The Hunchback of Notradam (that is not to say Quasimodo was not without his charms, I just think the majority of women may prefer their men humpless.)

Transversus abdominis and the pertruding rectus abomdinis (6 pack)

It is widely believed that a strong and firm transversus abdominis will provide a strong base to build a magnificent, glorious six pack upon since it wraps around the abdomen, beneath the rectus abdominis muscles, thus forming a solid foundation upon which the rectus abominis can sit and therefore stand out. Once again not too disimilar to the loyal wingman, he has the ability to accentuate your ever so good points portraying you as Steven Hawkins, Mother Teresa and Brad Pitts love child or put another way a clever, caring, good looking man.

Of course alternatively your wingman, in an attempt to make conversation, could begin reminiscing and re-telling the story of your trip to Amsterdam. “We entered this area of the town that was lit up bright red…was fantastic all the nice ladies that lived and worked there were all so friendly”

Anyway I have come to the end of my ramblings for yet another fortnight, I hope you all have a lovely valentines day, but for now I must get up off this sofa, get some breakfast and compose a text to the lovely Chrissie.

Happy training guys

More articles by Ross: Cardio Training, Science of Fat Loss, Getting a 6 Pack, Thoughts on Fat Loss Supplements, Water Retention, Water for Tight Abs

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