Now lets discuss how pullovers can effect these muscles. These muscles are used when performing a pullover by contacting, and due to their larger size, they can pull downward with more force on the ribs, potentially expanding the rib cage downward.
The rectus abdominis attaches the pelvis to 5th-7th ribs. Here we can see that the internal oblique attaches the pelvis to the 9th-12th ribs. Now lets look at the ventral, or front side of the body.
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Judging from its location, it appears that it also assists in stabilization of the pullover at full extension.
This is a larger muscle group, which could result in more downward pull on the lower ribs. Connecting to the 9th-12th ribs to the spine in the third layer is the serratus posticus inferior. In this figure we can see the first layer of muscles on the left and the second and part of the third layer on the right. So, lets look at some larger muscles in the back. However, due to the small size of these muscles, they might not be strong enough to pull the ribs lower. This contraction likely extends throughout the superficial in to the deep layers of muscle in the lower back, which could result in the recruitment of the previously mentioned deep muscles. When performing a pull over, at full extension the lower back is contracted to help stabilize the body. However, whether or not these muscles are used during pullovers is left to be decided. An unlabeled muscle on the right side of the diagram connects the Crest of Ilium to the 12th-10th ribs.īy my guess, strengthening these muscles could result in more tension on the lower ribs, causing them to spread further downward than if left untrained. The quadraus lumborum attaches the Crest of Ilium (on the pelvis) to the lowest rib. The ilio-costalis muscle attaches to the 7th-12th ribs, and originates with the erector spinae. Take a look at the lower right hand side. This is a diagram of the muscles of the deep layers of the back. If we take a look at the deep layers of the back there are several muscles that attach the ribs to the pelvis, which, if strengthened, could pull the ribs downward, resulting in the lengthening of the ribcage. Let's examine some of the muscles used in the movement. I think there may be some truth to Arnold's claims that pullovers can expand the rib cage.