Strong abdominal muscles are not just for body builders. They are also for runners, for several reasons:

* Strong abs give a runner better posture.
* Strong abs give a runner a more stable gait.
* Strong abs give a runner fewer low-back problems.
* Strong abs help a runner to more powerfully shift his or her hips.
* Strong abs help a runner to more powerfully move his or her legs.

The abdomen comprises several muscles:

* Transversus abdominis muscle (also known as the transversalis muscle or the transverse abdominal muscle), which compresses the abdomen
* Rectus abdominis muscle pair (running down the anterior wall of the abdomen), which flexes the trunk and lumbar vertebrae
* Pyramidalis muscle , which tenses the linea alba (the white, connective tissue that runs down the midline of the abdomen)
* Internal oblique muscle on either side, which compresses the abdomen and which, when unilaterally contracted, rotates the vertebral column to the same side
* External oblique muscle on either side (also known as the external abdominal oblique muscle), which rotates the torso


Knowing about these muscles, including where they are and what they do, can help you to visualize how they support your running.

You can also regularly review and dwell upon statements of gratitude for your abdominal muscles, which will activate the Law of Attraction to remind you to maintain a good posture and to regularly perform core workouts. Here are several such statements for your consideration:

* I am truly grateful that my strong transversus abdominis muscle compresses my abdomen, protects my organs from a side blow from the left or right, and protects my ribs with muscle.
* I love how my strong rectus abdominis muscle pair flexes my trunk and lumbar vertebrae, supports my upper body, increases protection to my vital organs, and prevents abdominal tears as I run.
* I appreciate how my strong pyramidalis muscle tenses my linea alba, takes pressure off my lower back, and centers my body to give me a more stable gait as I run.
* I am thankful that my strong internal and external oblique muscles protect my lower back during rotation, maintain my power during rotative movements, and give me more flexibility by opening up my hips.
* I am grateful for the anatomy and physiology of my abdominal muscles, which are beautiful in both their structure and function.

Your abdominal muscles are crucial to your running, so learn more about them, personalize the above list, and daily or weekly read and dwell upon your personalized list to activate the Law of Attraction in your favor as a runner.


Article source: Ezine articles