Let's Talk Abs! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rectus Abdominis

The Rectus Abdominis runs from the sternum to the pelvic bone and is the muscle we tend to notice first if it is shows a well developed "6-pack". Other muscles in your frontal midsection include the external obliques (on the sides) and the Transversus Abdominis, both of which cinch the waistline much like a belt. The other muscles listed are unrelated.

Answer: All of these selections

All the abs-specific exercise in the world will not show off your sculpted abs if they are covered by a layer of fat. You get rid of the fat by proper cardio-vascular exercise and proper nutrition. Also, genetics plays a key role. Some people are just born that way and there is nothing you can change about it.

Answer: False

The general rule in bodybuilding is to use the heaviest weight you can use without breaking form, at least on the last one or two sets of each exercise. The abdominals are an exception because you want definition, not bulk. Using too much weight on your rectus abdominus or external obliques can thicken your waist, which is not ordinarily a desired result.

Answer: False

Most experts agree that the best equipment is a simple exercise mat you can get at any sporting goods store. The best abdominal exercises (crunches) can be done without any other equipment. Some of the equipment shown on television not only does not isolate the abs, but can also cause unnecessary strain on other parts of the body.

Answer: crunches

There are a variety of crunch exercises, most of which can be performed on a mat with no other equipment. Since you normally only use your own bodyweight for resistance, there is little chance of adding too much bulk to your abs and obliques. Your entire exercise for abs can be just crunches if you like. Sit-ups place strain on other parts of the body and are not abs-specific.

Some trainers believe that Roman Chair sit-ups are beneficial and I will not argue that point. Hanging leg raises can be beneficial to lower abdominal development, but remember that they, too, place strain on the lower back. Hyperextensions are for the lower back muscles.

Answer: False

It is just one big muscle. However most trainers suggest doing different exercises that tend to concentrate on upper abs, middle abs, and lower abs. There is a good basis for that, but remember you are still working on a single muscle.

Answer: True

Your abs are like any other muscle and require a proper rest period of at least 48-72 hours. Daily resistance training of abs is overtraining and will normally yield poor results. If you feel compelled to work on abs every day, try alternating your abs day with extra cardio. Remember that extra body fat hides your muscle structure.

Answer: False

Models prepare for photo shoots in many ways. One way is they often do some serious short-term fat and excess water weight loss programs to make their abs appear "perfect". Some of these programs can be dangerous, or at least not beneficial to your overall health. Also, advertisement designers often use airbrush and other artificial means to improve what you see on an ad or magazine cover.

It "ain't all real" folks!

Answer: False

The author knows some people who have awesome abs and do just that, but they are the exception. Most trainers suggest a much more modest number of repetitions, but with a concentration of perfect form and execution with each repetition. Abs exercises normally have more repetitions than do other muscle groups - often 20/set or more compared to an average of 8-10 for, say, biceps. Consequently, you may do 200-300 reps assuming 3 sets per exercise and 3-5 different exercises. That would be more than adequate to get the job done. Don't forget the cardio and nutrition - the most defined abs can't be seen under a layer of fat!

Answer: No

This is genetic. Nothing can be done about it nor should it be done - it is perfectly normal. Besides, if your midsection is developed to the extent that someone can see it, you have an awesome midsection!. As a side note, the "6-pack" is probably not the best term anyway, because the lower abdomen should be included in the count, which, for most people, would make an "8-pack".

But some people have more or less than these numbers, and that all goes back to genetics. I hope you have enjoyed this quiz and that it is helpful to you. Let me know if you would like to see more on this subject matter.