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Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Should I work abs?

gwindalyn Posts: 434 Joined: 2003/01/15	2003/04/11, 05:19 PM I suppose that sounds like a dumb question. :) The reason I ask is that I have 70-80lbs to lose. I am using the recommended workout program from freetrainers; however, I have not been doing the ab exercises. I know, I know. Just beat me now. :) Why am I skipping abs you ask? My stomach area is probably the most out of shape appearing of any muscle. This is a bit deceiving. Underneath all of that fat, I do have decent muscles. I'm a bit scared that I will build these muscles before I have lost the weight I need to shed, and end up with a stomach that is larger than I want. My goal is a lean, flat, soft, feminine stomach. I want to avoid the chiseled or 6-pack looking stomach. Actually, I want the lean, soft, long, feminine look to all of my muscles. And I feel like, if I can't see what's going on under the fat, I have no idea what I'm doing to my muscles. So I had planned to at least lose enough so that I can visually see my muscles when I'm in the middle of a crunch. Then I can tell what I'm doing. I don't have this fear with my other muscle groups since I can see them and watch the progress. Am I insane? Should I work them anyway? If so, how will I best get the result I'm after? -------------- ~Jennifer http://www.gwindalyn.com
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/04/11, 06:48 PM You should work your abs. Its equal to lower back exercises. That area is what I cal "The center of the universe" it is supporting alot of our weight. You don't have to do an ab blast, but some work should be done. When you shed the fat...Voila, nice abs! -------------- We must become the change we want to see. Ivan Montreal Canada
dahayz Posts: 794 Joined: 2002/05/08	2003/04/11, 07:19 PM gwindalyn, do not worry about getting to big. Most people cannot achieve this to begin with, let alone women. Unless you are using steroids, do not even worry. Not working your abdominals would be a huge mistake. In my line of work, I see horrible posture and people slouching all of the time. Why? Weak abdominals and other muscles. Your abdominals are your core and they are vitally important for everyday activities such as breathing, sitting, walking and pretty much anything else. Think of them as your internal girdle, you need to keep them strong.
gwindalyn Posts: 434 Joined: 2003/01/15	2003/04/11, 09:37 PM I sort of knew you all were going to say that. :) Can you give me an idea of the specific types of exercises I should do for the result I want? Heavy weights? Light? None at all? I guess the reason it scares me is that I can't see what is happening with those muscles. -------------- ~Jennifer http://www.gwindalyn.com
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/04/11, 09:43 PM If you have't done abs don't start with wieghts. Start off with crunches on the floor. Don't go for high number of reps. Try to do 2 sets of 15. Go slow, 4 secs down 2 secs up. You will feel good. If your gym has the thing (ab roller) looks like a frame with a place for your head and arms, use that. Hope this helps. -------------- We must become the change we want to see. Ivan Montreal Canada
djugashvili Posts: 3 Joined: 2003/03/23	2003/04/12, 12:33 AM I want to rid my lovehandles and achieve defined abs...how do I do that? which is the best way to work since you mentioned not to go for high number of reps?
dahayz Posts: 794 Joined: 2002/05/08	2003/04/12, 04:18 AM If you want to get rid of your lovehandles and have defined abdominals, then you need to focus on your dietary habits along with a sound workout program.
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2003/04/12, 10:35 AM Train your abdominals to be strong and functional - the latest studies say that to train them to be 'smart' you should do swiss ball crunches - the larger range of motion backwards is really the natural range of motion for your abs - think about a golf swing or baseball bat swing - where does the power start - cranked a little to the back by the obliques, with the rectus abdominus ready to bring it around and release al that power. Don't fear building up your midsection - good ab work will bring the area in tighter, obliques help nip the waistline in. Also - make sure to balance your ab work with low back work - your core is the whole trunk and imbalance in the front and back can cause just as many problems as not working them. All power (and balance)comes from the core - don't shortchange yourself. -------------- Challenge + Consistency = Results
djugashvili Posts: 3 Joined: 2003/03/23	2003/04/13, 12:05 PM dahayz what should I eat more and what are the things I should avoid eating, and how should my eating timings be ie what time should I stop eating?
gwindalyn Posts: 434 Joined: 2003/01/15	2003/04/13, 10:32 PM I tried those swiss ball crunches today! OMG! You can feel those a lot more than regular crunches. I think I felt muscles I never knew I had! Thanks for the tip! -------------- ~Jennifer http://www.gwindalyn.com
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2003/04/14, 12:07 AM yeah, when they get easy try holding a medicine ball on your chest!! -------------- Challenge + Consistency = Results
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/04/15, 03:04 PM I second (or third or whatever) that. Your core muscles (lower back and ab muscles) are extremely important. You should work them and periodize your routines for them just like you would any other muscle groups. They're essential for avoiding injuries (particularly while squatting and deadlifting). Most people with lower back problems could have avoided them with proper core training. -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan