For The Summer Figure: Don't Forget Your Inner Abdominal Muscles!

At the beginning of summer, men love to get six pack abs, and women do hundreds of sit-ups, too. Both forget that the stomach has more muscles than just the rectus abdominis.

But it is worth strengthening the remaining abdominal muscles: they relieve the back, ensure body tension and make the stomach really attractive. The latter applies above all, but not only, to women.

Exercises For The Oblique Abdominal Muscles

On the outside of the straight "six pack muscle" runs the external oblique muscle. Its fibers run roughly in the direction your fingers point when you put your hands in your pockets. The next layer is the internal oblique, whose fibers are at right angles to those of the external. And then, on the inside, there is the transversus abdominis muscle. It runs across.

The good news is that the three layers of obliques, or transverse abs, require less training than the rectus abdominis. The best way to strengthen them is with static, long-lasting exercises.

1. The Plank

This exercise looks and is simple, but you'll find a surprising number of fitness fanatics who won't last a minute on the board.

2. Hula Hoop

Fifteen years ago every girl had a hoop, today you hardly see them. All layers of the abdominal muscles can be strengthened with the hula hoop, and the waist becomes significantly slimmer over time.

3. Negative Pressure Abdominal Training

With this exercise you can not only strengthen the abdominal muscles, but also the pelvic floor and the intercostal muscles. The result: a flat stomach, even if you're not training for a six-pack. 

And An Insider Tip For Those In A Hurry

When doing push-ups, weightlifting or other machine exercises, also tighten your stomach and pull your navel in and up. That alone makes a huge difference