Concept 2 rowing machine is a piece of indoor exercise equipment designed to mimic the movement and resistance of rowing a boat on water. The rowing machine, or ergometer, is often used by rowing crews to teach proper technique as well as develop...
The kidneys are at the back of the body near the lower part of the rib cage. The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood. Specific yoga poses might help the kidneys function better, but some poses, if not done with proper alignment, can...
The lying abdominal crunch is a strength-training exercise that targets the rectus abdominis muscle. Research proves its effectiveness at activating the abdominals, and because it requires no equipment, you can perform it anywhere. Knowing basic...
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen on either side of the spine, protected by the lower ribs. They perform vital functions including removing waste products from the blood and balancing electrolytes. The outer...
Deep breathing has been used for centuries to facilitate relaxation, improve mobility, and improve the body's ability to move efficiently. Deep breathing techniques allow you to tap into the autonomic nervous system, which controls the polar...
Most adults initiate respiration incorrectly, working upper-body muscles with each breath. Concentrate on breathing from your diaphragm, the muscular partition that separates your chest cavity from your abdominal cavity. Healthfully train your...
Russian twists are one of the best ways to work your obliques, the muscles that help rotate your torso. The obliques are often neglected by bodybuilders seeking a tapered torso, women who want a smaller waist and fitness fanatics obsessed with the...
Yoga, an ancient system of holistic health, involves the practice of physical exercises known as poses, or asanas. Performing these poses with proper alignment is imperative to avoiding injury. Certain poses require you to have a flat-back...
Deep breathing is the opposite of shallow breathing. Deep breathing involves the act of breathing deep into one's lungs by flexing the diaphragm rather than breathing shallowly by flexing the rib cage. Deep breathing is marked by expansion of the...
The bench press is one of the most popular exercises in the gym. If one of your goals is to impress others in the weight room, a big bench press is the way to do it. As noted by the American Council on Exercise, the prime movers in the bench press...
The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, practiced yoga, gymnastics, boxing and circus trapeze work. His workouts isolate muscles like the deep lower abdominals and the hamstrings. According to physical therapist Joanne Posner-Mayer, an Italian toy...
Sitting and standing with proper posture has many benefits and can even help you look younger and lighter, according to an article by Glenn Kent, PhD, a certified personal trainer. Practicing proper posture also exudes confidence, poise and...
It's common to train the abdominal muscles and neglect the back extensors and quadratus lumborum. The resulting imbalance contributes to lower back pain. Also, the connective tissue that surrounds the abdominal muscles extends into the diaphragm...
Rowing involves the legs, arms, back, chest and abdominal muscles and provides a challenging workout for your major muscle groups. Vermont-based Concept 2 designed its indoor rowing machine to replicate the movement of a competitive rower on the...
There are various methods to help reduce injury while weightlifting. The use of a weightlifting belt is a common choice for many weightlifters of all experience levels. The purpose of a weight belt is to help keep the abdominal region tight and...
Core training tones your abs, back and hips, and offers a number of benefits, including increased performance in sports or everyday activities and a reduced risk of injury. Infomercial promoters want you to believe that their brand of ab equipment...
Your chest is made up of the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles. These muscles abduct your arms, push and pull your arms forward and back, flex your shoulders and, for men, make up the majority of the size of your chest. Using dumbbells...
External and internal oblique muscles are on either side of the waist and are the prime movers when bending and rotating the trunk. Strong obliques are important in aiding the abdominals with good posture. They also help align the spine during...
Respiratory muscles are vital to health and performance. The primary muscle assisting in breathing is the diaphragm, a dome shaped muscle on the under side of the ribs, which can have a profound effect on low back, shoulder, neck, and hip health....
A strong upper body looks great and makes daily activities, such as shopping, carrying groceries, gardening and housework, easier. Muscle-strengthening activities, including resistance training, calisthenics and yoga, will increase strength,...
According to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it accumulates in the fat cells of the body until it is needed. This vitamin is essential for the...
Many cultures have long considered breathing exercises as effective to achieve both physical and mental equilibrium, and the Japanese culture is no exception. Many Japanese breathing methods are interspersed throughout martial arts and physical...
The rib cage is made up of bones and cartilage that surround the chest cavity. Rib pain can be the result of bruised, cracked or fractured ribs. In addition, osteoporosis or inflamed rib cartilage can lead to rib pain. Specific exercises may help...
Your diaphragm is the dome-shaped muscle between your lungs and your abdomen. As you inhale, your diaphragm lowers, your lungs expand and your abdomen moves outward. As you exhale, your diaphragm rises, your lungs relax and your abdomen moves back...
The chest has two main types of bones: the sternum and the ribs. A large amount of cartilage connects ribs to one another as well as to the sternum. The collar bones (although more properly located in the shoulders) and the spine (behind the chest...
Yoga allows you to use your own body weight to increase your flexibility and improve your muscular strength. While yoga poses seem to utilize your entire body certain postures target specific body parts. Through yoga stretches you can enhance your...
The spleen is a spongy organ about the size of a fist located in the upper left portion of the abdomen, towards the flank, behind the lower ribs. It is part of the lymphatic and immune system, helping the body fight off infections and clearing up...
Strengthening your abdominal muscles helps develop core strength and stability, which in turn facilitates movement and helps protect your spine against injuries. Most conventional ab exercises are done with just your body weight for resistance;...
There's no reason not to strengthen your abs--part of the core muscles that stabilize your torso--at home. The Mayo Clinic recommends building core strength by starting with five repetitions of each core exercise and working up to 10 to 15. You...
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