Training Muscles of the Abdominal Wall to Optimize their Function

According to Fredrick Hatfield, the abdominal wall is made up of four muscles. These include internal oblique muscles, external oblique muscles, transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis (Hatfield, 2010). However, other muscles exist for example the spinal erectae and muscles in the pelvic girdle. Each of these muscles has a specific function and uses specific forms of exercise to optimize its functions. In this paper, I will explore functions of these muscles and how they can be trained for optimum functioning.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Training Muscles of the Abdominal Wall to Optimize their Function specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The rectus abdominis, also called the ‘six pack’, is the most prominent of all abdominal muscles if well developed. This muscle enhances the flexion of the torso through contraction. This is because it joins the pubic bone to the lower side of the chest thereby fl exing the torso towards the hips. To optimize the function of this muscle, I will use leg lifts which allow it to contract in an isometric manner thus stabilizing the pelvis. The stabilization of the pelvic region helps to ameliorate back pain (Abdominal Muscle Anatomy, par. 5). Another exercise includes crunches (moving the torso to the hips) and reverse-crunches (moving hips to the torso). However, Hatfield discourages abdominal crunches for obese people as they cause psychological torture. Furthermore, inability to perform repeated movements such as sitting down or getting up is embarrassing (Hatfield, 2010). The external oblique muscle attaches the ribs to the hips and rectus abdominis. This muscle allows the spine to rotate and twist. Together with internal oblique, they can be optimized by using exercises which involve rotating and twisting of the spine. These exercises include wood chips, side pack, bicycles, tennis, racket, golf and baseball (Abdominal Muscle Anatomy, par. 5 -7). The internal oblique on the other hand is oriented in an opposite direction to external oblique. Together with the external oblique muscle, they are involved in twisting, side bending and rotation of the torso. For these muscles, I will use exercises which involve rotation of the body trunk to optimize their function. Due to their combined action, internal oblique and external oblique muscles also use exercises which involve abdominal and sidewall contractions (Livestrong.com, par. 8). The transverse abdominis unlike the internal oblique, external oblique and rectus abdominis does not cause the trunk to move. Therefore, I will use exercises that cause forced expiration and inward movement of the abdominal wall to optimize functions of the transverse abdominis. Such exercises include front and side plank exercises. Exercising the transverse abominis is important as it is less used in many sessions of training. Furthermore, utilization of this muscle gives a person a slimmer phys ique as it pulls the abdominal wall inwards. (Abdominal Muscle Anatomy, par 4).Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The rectus abdominis allows drawing together of the pelvis and ribcage, pelvis stabilization, forced expiration and expelling of urine and stomach contents. Therefore the key function of the rectus abdominis is a result of its longitudinal orientation which helps the spine to maintain a stable lumbar curvature (Abdominal Muscle Anatomy, par.10). To train the rectus abdominis muscle, I will use crunch exercises and reverse crunch exercises. Electro-myographic studies have shown that upper sections of rectus abdominis are used more in crunch exercises without weight. With addition of weight, crunch exercises are used all over this muscle. Similarly, reverse crunches use lower Rectus abdominis, the internal oblique and the external oblique. However, Hatfield suggests tha t all sections of rectus abdominis (both lower and upper) are used in crunch exercises unlike the widespread belief that only a particular section is used (Hatfield, 2005). Other exercises that I will use to train abdominal muscles include Russian twists, side bends, hanging leg exercises, seated plate twists, modified side plank and a combination of machine training and abdominal crunches. The following sections describe how these exercises are used. The Russian twists use internal oblique and external oblique muscles. This is because swinging and twisting exercises during Russian twists exert stress on internal oblique and external oblique muscles thus lightening the midsection (Livestrong.com, par. 2). On the other hand, hanging leg-raises exert more stress on abdominal wall muscles than crunches. However, Hatfield prefers reverse crunches to hanging leg-raises as hanging leg-raises exert a lot of stress and do not use abdominal muscles. They instead use hip flexors and other mus cles of the fore arm (Hatfield, 2005). Side bends, like crunch exercises, help in stabilizing the back. This is because it uses internal and external oblique including other muscles like quadratus lumborum. When using the side bends, the client bends sideways while holding a dumbbell (Hatfield, 2005). The external oblique and internal oblique muscles are pre-stretched by the arm which is behind the head. This optimizes function of internal and external oblique muscles (Body and Fitness, par. 6-7). A combination of machine training and abdominal crunch is a full range approach that I will use to train abdominal muscles. Hatfield refers to curved back peddling as the best example of this combination. This is because it uses an overhead pulley that stabilizes the back thus reducing back pain and giving a full range approach to training (Livestrong.com, par. 3-8).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Training Muscles of the Abdominal Wall to Optimize their Function spe cifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, when using seated plate twists, I will instruct the client to perform side to side rotations while touching the plate on the floor in a sitting position with the legs stretched out. Seated plate twists exert stress on internal oblique and external oblique muscles thus optimizing their function (Body and Fitness, par. 3-6). Knowledge of various abdominal muscles and how they can be used in training is very critical in training my clients, friends and family. Applying abdominal exercises in abdominal muscle training is an important lesson which I will use to reduce instances of back pain in my clients. This is because a healthy abdominal wall helps to stabilize the back thus reducing back pain (Hatfield, 2010). Furthermore, I will use exercises such as front plank and side plank exercises to train the transverse abdominis muscle thus giving my clients the slim profile they desire. This is unlik e the dietary approach I had initially used for my clients to enhance weight loss. In training my clients, friends and family, I will apply the knowledge gained that the upper and lower sections of the abdomen (rectus abdominis) are not necessarily isolated by exercises like crunches and reverse crunches. This is because all exercises produce stress equally through an abdominal muscle and there is no upper or lower section that is isolated (Hatfield, 2005). During my training exercises, I will not apply hanging leg exercises for abdominal muscle training as they do not develop abdominal wall muscles but instead develop hip flexor muscles. Since Hatfield suggests that â€Å"there are many abdominal exercises, and there are just as many abdominal exercise-devices†, it is necessary that I make the appropriate choices during training to meet the needs of my family, clients and friends (Hatfield, 2010). This is because an informed choice on forms of exercises to use will result in optimum muscle function thereby providing a healthy spine for exercise. References Abdominal Muscle Anatomy. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Body and Fitness: Inspiring beyond sports. Retrieved from http://www.body-fitness.nl/content/training/buiktraining.asp Hatfield, F.C. (2005). Fitness: The complete guide to dumbbell training. Santa Barbara, CA: International Sports and Sciences Association. Hatfield, F. C. (2010). Fitness: The complete guide. Santa Barbara, CA: International Sports and Sciences Association. Livestrong.com: Oblique abdominal muscle exercises. Web. This essay on Training Muscles of the Abdominal Wall to Optimize their Function was written and submitted by user Karla H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Foreword What is a Foreword, Do I Need One, How Do I Write One

Foreword What is a Foreword, Do I Need One, How Do I Write One Foreword: What is a Foreword, Do I Need One, and How Do I Write One? If youre confused about what a foreword is, youre not alone.A new writer, especially someone looking to self-publish a book, has a steep learning curve ahead of them.There are so many new skills to learn- building and managing a book launch team, finding a book cover design, making Amazon Marketing Services work for you, et cetera- and new vocabulary words to go along with them.Here are the questions about forewords we answer:What is a forewordHow to write a forewordDo I need a foreword for my book?Who should write a foreword?What should be included?Whats the difference between a foreword and introduction?Whats the difference between a foreword and a preface?Whats the difference between a foreword and a prologue?NOTE: Dont sweat the small stuff like this! We cover all of what you need (including forewords) in VIP Self-Publishing Program that helps you not only publish your book, but do so for long-term success. Learn more about it hereWhat is a Foreword? A foreword is a piece of writ ing that serves to introduce the reader to the author and the book, usually written by someone who is not the author or an editor of the book. Forewords can also serve as a sort of endorsement for the book.If the author does write the foreword, it might be to explain how the book came to be, or their connection between the work and themselves- like Stephen King often does for his novels.The foreword always goes at the very front of the book (with one exception, which I’ll get into below), and it’s rarely more than a couple of pages long. You may see a foreword with either lowercase Roman numerals or typical Arabic numerals, or without any page numbering whatsoever. That is between you and your book formatter.How to Write a ForewordYou’re pretty sure you’ve seen forewords in books before, or maybe your favorite classic piece of literature has a foreword in the front. You’ve got a book now, or you’re well on your way to finishing it.Do you nee d a foreword, too? Do you need front matter at all?Then again, maybe you’re not new, and you’ve been around the proverbial block enough times to know your way around. Maybe you’ve gained enough recognition to be asked to write a foreword for someone else’s work.And maybe youre someone looking to write a foreword for someone elses book and have no idea where to start.Heres how to write a foreword:Understand what the author is looking forKnow the tone and style of the bookStart with a list of what you want to cover in the forewordMake sure to mention your credibilityTie your own experience back into the worth of the bookGet feedback from others and the authorMake any necessary changes to comply with what the author is looking forBe honest about the book and its impactDo I Need a Foreword for My Book?Now that we know what a foreword is, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of whether your book really needs one. This is what you’ve been waitin g for!The first thing to note is that a foreword is certainly not necessary. Plenty of books don’t have forewords, and never have them added on. Unless your book needs the elaboration and context a foreword provides, you won’t miss it.What you really need to consider is whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.A nonfiction book is far more likely to need a foreword than a novel, especially if the topic is dense or interesting, or the author has passed on. Again, Stephen King does tend to produce forewords for his own fiction novels but this is seen far less in authors who arent as established.For example, the fourth edition of The Elements of Style has a foreword by Roger Angell arguing that the guide is just as relevant today as it was the day Strunk and White turned the manuscript into the publisher.But if you are writing fiction, are you covering a period of history, or some other topic, in depth?A foreword may be helpful if the reader needs a bit of back ground knowledge to sink their teeth into your book. Charles Todd wrote a foreword explaining just who was the titular character of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot: The Complete Short Stories.It’s also not uncommon for works of great literary renown to have a foreword added onto the original manuscript, or added as a way of explaining the difference between the current edition and past editions.Alice L. George’s foreword in the 150th-anniversary edition of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was written to illustrate why the book is so beloved all these years later.Who Should Write a Foreword?A foreword could be written by several people, but not by just anyone.If you’re of the opinion that your work needs a foreword, approach an expert in the topic of the book or one of your peers in your field, especially if this person is well-known.This lends the book social proof.Unless you have something especially noteworthy to say, it’s probably best not to write your own book’s foreword. You may want to write a preface instead.That being said, if you’ve established yourself as an expert in your field, you may be asked to write a foreword for someone else.What Should Be Included in a Foreword?If you’ve been invited to write a foreword for a book, congratulations! What an honor, and what an impressive accomplishment to add to your resumà ©!Of course, every foreword will have needs as unique as the text that comes after, but here are some ideas for what you could include should you need to write one:Your relationship to the author (if you are or were contemporaries)How the author’s work affected you personallyYour opinion of the book, its protagonist, and/or themeThe book or author’s historical impactDifferences between the current and past editions of the book (if applicable)It’s also important when writing the foreword to strike the same tone as the rest of the book. Avoid writing a witty, hum orous foreword if the book is more serious, and vice-versa.You don’t want the writing styles to clash, or you risk jarring the reader when they turn the page.What’s the Difference Between a Foreword and an Introduction?The introduction is reserved for a book of non-fiction. It can be used to explain the content, but they can also be used to summarize the work.The introduction is sometimes comprised of everything that comes before the bulk of the text, meaning the foreword would be nestled within the introduction.Other times, the introduction is a separate section written by the author themselves.What’s the Difference Between a Foreword and a Preface?If you’re looking to write something like an introductory statement to your own book, you may want to write a preface.In a preface, you can include what your aim was in taking on the project and thank the people in your life who helped to make the book a reality.Unlike forewords, prefaces are always written by the author, and they’re not signed. If your work happens to include both, the foreword comes first.What’s the Difference Between a Foreword and a Prologue?A prologue is always written for fiction, and it takes place within your story’s world.Forewords never take place within your story’s world, unless you’re writing a fictional forward by one of your characters. You might do this if you’re writing as a fictitious person a l Daniel Handler.If your work happens to include both a prologue and a foreword, again, the foreword comes first.And again, a prologue isn’t signed. (You can probably guess why!)Forewords Can Be an Important Part of Your BookWhether or not to include a foreword in your book is- as is most of the art of writing- a matter of personal preference, but not preference alone. Consider what your particular work calls for.Only you can make that call.Trust yourself that you’ll make the right one.Ready to catapult your book to REALL success?Writing and publishing a book on your own isnt always enough.Yes, you have the full capability to make it happen but without extensive knowledge of the internal workings of Amazons search algorithm and a method to make sure your book lands on the top of lists, the long-term success of your book will suffer.We have exactly what for you.

Measuring Earthquake Intensities Using Seismic Scales

Measuring Earthquake Intensities Using Seismic Scales The first measuring tool invented for earthquakes was the seismic intensity scale. This is a rough numerical scale to describe how severe an earthquake is in the place where youre standing- how bad it is on a scale of 1 to 10. Its not hard to come up with a set of descriptions for intensity 1 (I could barely feel it) and 10 (Everything around me fell down!) and the gradations in between. A scale of this kind, when its carefully made and consistently applied, is useful even though its based entirely on descriptions, not measurements. Scales of earthquake magnitude (the total energy of a quake) came later, the result of many advances in seismometers and decades of data collection. While seismic magnitude is interesting, seismic intensity is more important: its about the strong motions that actually affect people and buildings. Intensity maps are prized for practical things like city planning, building codes, and emergency response. To Mercalli and Beyond Dozens of seismic intensity scales have been devised. The first to be widely used was made by Michele de Rossi and Francois Forel in 1883, and before seismographs were widespread the Rossi-Forel scale was the best scientific tool we had. It used roman numerals, from intensity I to X. In Japan, Fusakichi Omori developed a scale based on the types of structures there, such as stone lanterns and Buddhist temples. The seven-point Omori scale still underlies the Japanese Meteorological Agencys official seismic intensity scale. Other scales came into use in many other countries. In Italy, a 10-point intensity scale developed in 1902 by Giuseppe Mercalli was adapted by a succession of people. When H. O. Wood and Frank Neumann translated one version into English in 1931, they called it the Modified Mercalli scale. That has been the American standard ever since. The Modified Mercalli scale consists of descriptions that range from the innocuous (I. Not felt except by a very few) to the terrifying (XII. Damage total . . . Objects thrown upward into the air). It includes the behavior of people, the responses of houses and larger buildings, and natural phenomena. For instance, peoples responses range from barely feeling ground motion at intensity I to everyone running outdoors at intensity VII, the same intensity at which chimneys begin to break. At intensity VIII, sand and mud are ejected from the ground and heavy furniture overturns. Mapping Seismic Intensity Turning human reports into consistent maps happen online today, but it used to be quite laborious. During the aftermath of a quake, scientists collected intensity reports as fast as they could. Postmasters in the United States sent the government a report every time a quake struck. Private citizens and local geologists did the same. If youre into earthquake preparedness, consider learning more about what quake investigators do by downloading their official field manual. With these reports in hand, investigators of the U.S. Geological Survey then interviewed other expert witnesses, such as building engineers and inspectors, to help them map zones of equivalent intensity. Eventually, a contour map showing the intensity zones was finalized and published. An intensity map can show some useful things. It can delineate the fault that caused the quake. It can also show areas of unusually strong shaking far from the fault. These areas of bad ground are important when it comes to zoning, for instance, or disaster planning or deciding where to route freeways and other infrastructure. Advances In 1992, a European committee set out to refine the seismic intensity scale in the light of new knowledge. In particular, we have learned a great deal about how different kinds of buildings respond to shaking- in effect, we can treat them like amateur seismographs. In 1995 the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS) was widely adopted across Europe. It has 12 points, the same as the Mercalli scale, but it is much more detailed and precise. It includes many pictures of damaged buildings, for instance. Another advance was being able to assign harder numbers to intensities. The EMS includes specific values of ground acceleration for each intensity rank. (So does the latest Japanese scale.) The new scale cannot be taught in a single lab exercise, the way the Mercalli scale is taught in the United States. But those who master it will be the best in the world at extracting good data from the rubble and confusion of an earthquakes aftermath. Why Old Research Methods Are Still Important The study of earthquakes gets more sophisticated every year, and thanks to these advances the oldest research methods work better than ever. The nice machines and clean data make for good fundamental science. But one great practical benefit is that we can calibrate all kinds of earthquake damages against the seismograph. Now we can extract good data from human records where- and when- there are no seismometers. Intensities can be estimated for earthquakes all the way through history, using old records like diaries and newspapers. Earth is a slow-moving place, and in many places the typical earthquake cycle takes centuries. We dont have centuries to wait, so deriving reliable information about the past is a valuable task. Ancient human records are much better than nothing, and sometimes what we learn about past seismic events is almost as good as having seismographs there.

Images that Injure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Images that Injure - Essay Example For the inclusion of the disable to a school environment then the following factors has to be in place: assessment of all parts of physical education, educators to identify how to modify, adapt, and create of lesson plans that are engaging and lastly, put up a belief that disable children are effective in a community. The effectiveness of the disable is evident in the movie at first sight when Vigril a blind man can find his way to town on his own with ease, he also gives a massage to Amy and she is so pleased. The inclusion of disabled children to the environment helps other children in understanding and appreciating them. There is also the bridge of a special-need child in the mainstream classes, as it creates the best learning and a favorable environment as both the disable children and their counterparts spend time together, share same resources and receive individual treatment from their educators. The disabled also fins away to tackle their challenges, which help them, improve in academics, self-esteem and social

Peer response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Peer response - Assignment Example The author vaguely states that,† I don’t believe that it will give you a bacon bowl â€Å"easily†.† He/she doesn’t state what grounds makes him/her believe so. Moreover, he/she doesn’t explain why he/she thinks the ad is ‘ridiculous’. The piece is well done. The author gives a detailed synopsis of the ad, the claims made and the methods used to convince people of the truth. Nevertheless, the author doesn’t state who is making these claim, which is an essential part of the assignment. The author should have elaborated how the system does slim the body fat. What is the science behind it? And is the method tested and proven to work? The author does make a few spelling mistakes e.g. he/she writes excerise instead of exercise and clincial instead of clinical. I also feel the author should have given his or her opinion on the claims made in the ad. He/she should make his/her stand known as to whether he/she thinks the claims are plausible or not and give reasons justifying the

Should Physcian-Assisted Suicide be Legal :: essays research papers

Should Physician-Assisted Suicide be Legal? Terminally ill patients should have the legal option of physician-assisted suicide. Terminally ill patients deserve the right to control their own death. Legalizing assisted suicide would relive families of the burdens of caring for a terminally ill relative. Doctors should not be prosecuted for assisting in the suicide of a terminally ill patient. We as a society must protect life, but we must also recognize the right to a humane death. When a person is near death, in unbearable pain, they have the right to ask a physician to assist in ending their lives. 40 percent of Americans say they would consider committing suicide if they were in severe pain, suffering from an incurable disease. 40 percent of Americans also say they would help a family member, in the same situation, kill them selves. But only 12 percent say they thought of killing them selves. In 1950, fewer than four in ten Americans supported physician-assisted suicide. Today seven in ten support it. Some people think that people who are in mental anguish are going to be able to get a physician to assist in their suicide. This should not and will not happen, because they are not terminally ill and are able to be treated with therapy. There are problems with the title â€Å"Terminally ill patient† but there is a way to fix it. We must change the definition for â€Å"A Terminally ill patient† to: having an expected life span under 3 months, there is absolutely no way of helping the patient and are doomed to die. But a patient has to suffering from severe pain and be terminally ill to be able to get a physician to assist in their suicide. Although widely condoned around the world, only one nation, the Netherlands has made physician assisted suicide legal. Five states tried Washington in 1991, California in 1992, Michigan in 1998,and main in 2000, Oregon in 1994 approved the â€Å"Death with Dignity Act† it won 51 percent to 49 percent. 91 people committed suicide with the aid of a physician in the first four years the law was in effect. The approach of physician-assisted suicide respects an individual’s need for personal dignity. It does not force the terminally ill patient to linger hopelessly, and helplessly, often at great cost to their psyche. It drive’s people mad knowing they are going to die in a short period of time, suffering while they wait in a hospital bed.

Francis Bacon and Plato Essay

The arguments presented by both Francis Bacon and Plato both call for different approaches in pursuing knowledge. In doing this, one must be accurately point out the important facets present in each argument and deduce what style is appropriate for an individual’s use. Looking at Francis Bacon’s arguments, it can be said that he is focused on the progression of ideas that will lead to the acquisition of knowledge. However, the ‘form’ that Bacon advocates differs to the original meaning proposed by Plato. He further advocates that the ‘form’ must be attained to gain knowledge. As long as man continues to strive for the form, knowledge will soon follow. On the other hand, Plato’s dialogue focuses on the way knowledge is achieved through the process of remembering the past. Socrates used this analysis in checking the validity of such argument. He makes a philosophical connection between knowledge and virtue. Thus, it has been contended that knowledge is virtue – creating the possibility of teaching. Seeing the two approaches in a nutshell, I believe that there must be a collaborative consensus between the two theories. It may be true that we must constantly strive for the form that Bacon advocates and at the same time use natural forces and mechanisms that can help achieve knowledge. However, Plato’s arguments can also shed some important light in the analysis of obtaining knowledge. But seeing that I must choose between the two, the argument presented by Francis Bacon I believe presents a more valid approach. I believe my answer is correct since believe that man continues to struggle for existence. Man continuous life depends on each one’s ability to grasp knowledge through mechanisms and processes that will help each one to survive. The different laws that govern us remain to be manifested and shown. The tendency of man to move forward and accept challenges should be the case. This is contrary to the view of Plato that one must look back to gain knowledge. In conceiving a central purpose in human life, there must be a conscious effort by an individual for continuous development to cope with the changing times. In my own perspective, I feel that the central purpose of living a life is continuous learning by acquiring knowledge and experiences that will benefit my individual growth as time passes. This event can only take place if the individual is continuously aware that he/she has the capability of shaping his/her personality. Looking at this, it can be argued that there are several characteristics of a well-lived, fulfilling life. In my own opinion, a well-lived fulfilling life must create opportunities for each individual to constantly struggle and be victorious. This is because for every success and failure in a struggle, certain inputs are obtained by an individual. These are experiences distinct only to individuals which foster the creation of knowledge. Another characteristic is that individuals must constantly strive for their betterment. We do not become stagnant and a waste in the society and community. Another characteristic of knowledge is that it can create a degree of completeness to an individual. By gaining knowledge, the questions that men aspire can be answered or attained. The pursuit of knowledge is attaining these purposes because of knowledge capability to raise and increase the quality of thinking by individuals. Continuity is thus necessary in creating the environment for knowledge for individuals. In addition, by gaining knowledge, we expand our purpose and existence. It may be known that during our conception, the only thing we cater is our own. But as we continually grow in age and maturity, the levels of understanding and knowledge extend not only in scope but also each one’s abilities. In the end, knowledge gives individuals the opportunity to explore more what life has to offer.