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2003/09/27, 10:53 PM
I've been working on my abs for a while now and my upper abs are rock hard, but my lower abs still feel gel-like. Is there a sequence on how they build muscle because I heard that you can't do a focus exercise on just lower abs because it is all one muscle.
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2003/09/28, 03:19 AM
Unfortunately the rectus abdominus muscle(which creates the 6-pack) happens to be one single muscle that performs one single function, that is to pull the abdomen toward the pelvis. Now if you are not seeing the definition in the lower region the cause is one of two thimgs. Either your bodyfat is not quite low enough or the overall developement of the rectus abdominus needs to be increased. As for bodyfat consider two things first of the lower abdominal region is a genetic favorite for fat storage so even at very low levels this area can become blurry. In addition some research has theorized that when an abundance of carbohydrates are consumed, they are converted to fat in the liver & stored nearby (which would be the area in question) for quick availibility to be converted back to glucose by the liver for energy. This accounts for why a diet low in fat but high in carbohydrates such as sugars tends to produce the "beer belly" effect. As far as abdominal exercises for gaining muscularity you must perform exercises that are going to promote muscular growth. This means moderatly low reps 8-10 with adequate & progressive resistance. One of the best things I have found for this is the nautalis crunch machine.(keep in mind that crunches target the "six pack" better than situps due to the muscles specific functiobn listed above). If you don't have access to this machine try doing rope crunches with an overhead pully, the key here is resistance not volume! Just remember to perform an equal amount of work for your lower back as to avoid a muscular inbalance of the abdominals becoming too strong.
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\\"Education is the discovery of our own ignorance\"
---Patrick L.
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2003/09/28, 11:31 AM
This is your answer in a nutshell. Diet is the answer to lower abs showing and getting rid of the "gel like feeling". This statement is the key to your question.
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Quoting from plfitness:
As for bodyfat consider two things first of the lower abdominal region is a genetic favorite for fat storage so even at very low levels this area can become blurry.
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Great people never want it easier, they just want to be better!
Ron
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2003/09/28, 07:08 PM
Well, that's the problem. I went from 170 pounds down to 149 by working out on all areas, but the skin still remains there. Would I have to gain lean muscle to build in that area and then the skin would stretch to it?
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