2 3 Technical Tuesday Rectus Abdominis | Ballet Webb

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Technical Tuesday Rectus Abdominis

Technical Tuesday Rectus Abdominis

Dancers are frequently admonished: “use your abdominals” or “suck in your stomach”. But what is actually happening when you do this?

The large rectus abdominis muscle extends from the pubic bone to the sternum, inside the abdominal region. It is activated when a dancer does crunches. It pulls the ribs in, and assists in flexing the torso. Three muscles that cross over and under the rectus abdominis are: the internal oblique, the external oblique and the transverse abdominis.
Strength in this area is critical for a dancer, since the rectus abdominis helps support the spine and thus fosters correct balletic alignment.

In a very toned dancer, it is the rectus abdominis that gives the appearance of a “six-pack” in the front of the torso.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Dance History Factoid # 94
Breathing in and “sucking in the stomach” use the rectus abdominis muscles.”

Links of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous.” 
 
Carl Sagan

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