The abdomen has a subcutaneous tissue that is a natural magnet for fat. Many inches can collect here and dissipating them is not a mean task. Having toned abdominal muscles is a prized acquisition that is a goal for many and a dream for almost everyone. Flat abs is an obsession of our times; washboard abs are envied and coveted.
The entire fitness industry feeds this craze with latest equipment to iron out the folds in this part of the anatomy and more and more impossible moves to flatten it. The muscle being so intensely targeted is just one — the rectus abdominis. Just one muscle handles all this attention and focus. Yet it is not alone in forming a strong upright stomach. It is most ably supported by a few other equally important muscles.
THE ANATOMY OF THE CORE
The health and age of your spine and key organs is determined by the core muscles. These muscles give strength and stability to your entire frame. These muscles also support your bending and twisting movements.
The rectus abdominus is the muscle behind the six-pack look. It runs along the front of your stomach from the pubic to sternum. Alongside this lie the obliques, external obliques — extend from the ribs downwards to the rectus — and internal obliques lie below them. These muscles help you turn and twist and lend stability to the spine. Last is the transversus abdominus which is a horizontal muscle playing a pivotal role in trunk stability and maintaining flat strong abdominals. Another muscle which is part of your body’s core structure is the erector spinae. These are long muscles extending from the lower back to the neck and they are responsible for the erect and flexible nature of the spine. These are the main muscles that wrap around your torso and go around like a broad belt from front to back.
These muscles are not just your ticket to the million dollar look. They are a sheath which has been probed layer by layer by the science of yoga to reveal the treasure which lies within them.
YOGA AND YOUR CORE
The practice of yoga is different from other fitness forms because in that it has a broader and deeper perspective on the abdomen. The navel is the “seat of power”. If it has the ability to nurture another life, imagine the sea of energy that lies there, mostly untapped and unexplored. Yoga connects you to this centre, also the gravitational point. The gut is said to be your second brain. If there is discomfort and anxiety being experienced in this region, there is no hope of being calm, connected and energetic. The intuition too rests there, this is your inner voice, your most reliable teacher on the path of life. But in the race towards body perfection, this deep connection has somewhat been eradicated. The science of yoga perseveres to uncover this cord that connects you to yourself. The practice of yoga leads you inside to your core, your source of unlimited potential.
The work done by asana, pranayama and other yogic techniques doesn’t just infuse strength and shape to your abdominal muscles, it unfolds your core and reveals hidden strengths that make you cherish your body for much more than its appearance.
When a yoga posture is performed with profound attention to form and breath, it unfurls an internal process that gives shape to your muscles, releases energy and plumbs the depths of your potential.
Practice of the week: Anatomy of core
Prarambh Stithi
Naukasana
Katti Naukasana
Adhomukhsvanasana
Purvottanasana
Viprit Naukasana
This is an interactive series, in which we will bring you practical tips on daily living, inspired by the vision of yoga. Write in to tabloid@gulfnews.com with your questions and doubts regarding enhancing your lifestyle through yoga. For more information, call 800-YOGA (9642) or log on to artisticyoga.com
