Abs in shape
A firm, flat belly significantly improves the appearance. But that's just one reason why you should work on that area.
The abdominal muscles are the backbone of the viscera and stabilize the lumbar spine, preventing, thus, many back problems. Besides, a toned abdominal muscles are important for the proper functioning of the digestive, intestinal and liver systems, as they help digestion and assimilation of nutrients and prevent constipation.
Abdominal exercises require persistence and attention to those who practice, because if done wrong different muscles can be exercised, and in some cases, produce injures.
Now, when asked how to condition the abdominal muscles, the classic gym class sit-ups challenge - "Do 100 sit-ups in 2 minutes. Go!" - may skulk to your mind, but don't let that stop you. Today's abdominal exercises to prevent back pain center on the whole core and require more attention to form than number of reps.
The core involves many different muscles: latissimus dorsi that are mid-back large muscles, erector spinae that run along the spinal column to straighten the spine, hamstrings, gluteals that support the pelvis and control thigh movement, and abdominals which are used to bend and hold up the spine from the front.