Obesity Discussion Forums

[inlove]

Doing only ab exercises will not actually make your abs "appear"? I was thinking about this. I mean Yes I am jogging/walking and doing some lunges and other stuff. But when it comes down to me doing the ab workouts is it really going to "show"? I mean yesterday I probably did about 125 or so and then this morning 100. Not real sure. Eventually too hard to count and scream in pain at the same time. :bowr ofl:

[Steve]

Yea, stop doing that.

Your abs should be trained like any other muscle in the body. During weight loss, preferably a handful of times each week. And doing a bunch of reps isn't going to add any benefit. Sure, you'll build some endurance in those muscles.

Doing resisted types of abdominal exercises would serve you better.

Heck, I don't even train my abs directly.

[inlove]

Like what?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by inlove

Like what?

What do you mean?

[MikeB]

You can do weighted crunches via either holding a dumbell or using a machine, weighted leg raises etc.
Here's a ton of ab exercises:
Bodybuilding.com - Exercise Guides Database.

First you need to build enough strength to do basic crunches like the ultimate ab exercise link I gave you. You don't want to try any resistance style ab exercises until you you have prepared your muscles for that. Nothing worse than seriously sore abs...


BTW, when I first started doing abs, I couldn't get past the first 2 sets of that ultimate ab workout without cramping badly.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by inlove

Doing only ab exercises will not actually make your abs "appear"? I was thinking about this. I mean Yes I am jogging/walking and doing some lunges and other stuff. But when it comes down to me doing the ab workouts is it really going to "show"? I mean yesterday I probably did about 125 or so and then this morning 100. Not real sure. Eventually too hard to count and scream in pain at the same time. :bowr ofl:

I could hvae sworn we've already had this conversation.

Work out your abs all you want, but if you have a layer of fat over them you won't see them as much as you would like to. Burn the fat and the abs will "come out on their own" so to speak.

Originally Posted by Steve

What do you mean?

I think she was asking what types of resistance abdominal exercises would serve her better.

[inlove]

Thanks Mike. Appreciate it.

Sorry for the confusion......

Thanks guys!!!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by MikeB

You can do weighted crunches via either holding a dumbell or using a machine, weighted leg raises etc.
Here's a ton of ab exercises:
Bodybuilding.com - Exercise Guides Database.

First you need to build enough strength to do basic crunches like the ultimate ab exercise link I gave you. You don't want to try any resistance style ab exercises until you you have prepared your muscles for that. Nothing worse than seriously sore abs...


BTW, when I first started doing abs, I couldn't get past the first 2 sets of that ultimate ab workout without cramping badly.

If she can do hundreds of crunches, she's ready for resistance.

That said, these should be the least of your worries at the moment. I haven't been following your programming..... but you should be focusing more on nutrition and directly speaking with regards to resistance training, you should be focusing on big, compound lifts.

[Merle]

Originally Posted by Steve

If she can do hundreds of crunches, she's ready for resistance.

That said, these should be the least of your worries at the moment. I haven't been following your programming..... but you should be focusing more on nutrition and directly speaking with regards to resistance training, you should be focusing on big, compound lifts.

So you are implying that doing resistance type exercises for your abs is accomplished by doing big heavy weight lifts such as squats?

[MikeB]

Two things he's referring to, 1 is doing compounds lifts including squats/deadlifts etch which do require you abs to remain tight and will work them as a secondary benefit due to the core being worked. Also there are resistance ab exercises that can be done.

I don't think Steve realizes she's doing 125 in sets of 10 or 15 at a time...

[Steve]

Originally Posted by MikeB

Two things he's referring to, 1 is doing compounds lifts including squats/deadlifts etch which do require you abs to remain tight and will work them as a secondary benefit due to the core being worked. Also there are resistance ab exercises that can be done.

Right.

For instance, when you squat, human biomechanics dictate that your torso, abs, and lumbar are going to have to activate to keep you stabilized. If they didn't, you'd fold over like a wet noodle.

I, at times, do resistance crunches where I crunch holding a 60lb dumbbell on my chest, or the like.

Big whoop.

Why not squat with 350 lbs on my back and let many, many more muscles come into play than only my abs.

It's all about being efficient in the gym. Besides, I like my training to translate into real world results of performance and function.

It's very rare that we isolate our abs. Our bodies work more synchronously, and that's how I like to train it.

I don't think Steve realizes she's doing 125 in sets of 10 or 15 at a time...

I did miss that.

Even still, some weight crunches would be good. If she can do enough sets of 10-15 reps to total over 100 total reps.... she could stand to drop it down to something like 3 sets of 6-8 reps or resisted crunches.

[inlove]

Thanks Mike. Yeah I am trying. I do agree I need some weights to start pushing myself but still new to this. I did crunches and pelvic lifts yesterday. See just need to get a membership somewhere.....

[inlove]

I see what you are saying Steve. Thanks

[Irving]

Originally Posted by inlove

Doing only ab exercises will not actually make your abs "appear"? I was thinking about this. I mean Yes I am jogging/walking and doing some lunges and other stuff. But when it comes down to me doing the ab workouts is it really going to "show"? I mean yesterday I probably did about 125 or so and then this morning 100. Not real sure. Eventually too hard to count and scream in pain at the same time. :bowr ofl:

my 12 pack abs say all you have to do is will them to appear and they will.