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Question about my abs

hecdarec Posts: 2,457 Joined: 2003/12/16	2004/02/23, 10:50 AM I have a six pack but it looks all big and puffy. I mean when I look in the mirror my stomach looks bloated. My wife says that it is because my abs are big. It makes me feel like I am doing something wrong. I can tighten them up and they look flat, but when I stand normal my stomach looks like a basketball with a 6 pack. What gives? -------------- Hecdarec in full effect.
	2004/02/23, 10:55 AM Me too ,hec. I await the answers with you. -------------- Some times life is like herding cats. Charlie
burrocfh Posts: 200 Joined: 2004/01/09	2004/02/23, 11:10 AM Same here hecdarec and charlie826... I am not 100% sure if this "theory" is true but I would like to share it wit everybody anyways... it might even serve as yet another one of those "gym experts" rumors and stories... Sometime ago I heard that it is because we workout our abs with weight (i.e. 25 lb discs for crunches and so...). What someone argued at that time was that you should do your abs concentrating on reps and not weight, that way you will look flat and cut and not "big" on your stomach Again I don´t know if this is true and I've never really paid attention to this issue, I didnt use to work out my abs that much because I had a high BF% and didnt feel like I would see results anyway, but now with the FT program I am seeing pretty nice results and I feel motivated! Hope this helps
	2004/02/23, 01:26 PM bump -------------- Some times life is like herding cats. Charlie
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2004/02/23, 02:18 PM I have always heard that as well burrocfh.
burrocfh Posts: 200 Joined: 2004/01/09	2004/02/23, 06:21 PM So do you think that can be somehow true agamble?
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2004/02/23, 06:45 PM I always thought it was but I've seen several posts about it on the boards which indicated otherwise. However, it makes sense that they would grow doesn't it? I suppose weighted ab work would provide that definition everyone hopes for. I for one don't particularly like doing 25 or so crunches per set. Maybe someone more knowledgeable would weigh in.
	2004/02/23, 07:14 PM Blind leading blind here. -------------- Some times life is like herding cats. Charlie
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2004/02/23, 08:03 PM I'd say it's a thin layer of fat being pushed out by your abs. Even though you are not pushing it out, it still balloons. -------------- "A will finds a way" Ivan Montreal Canada
	2004/02/24, 01:39 PM Ivan, its hard to swallow that theory. My BF% is around 15%. The fat layer is very thin. There is good definition while relaxed and abs are very defined while flexed. I think we are all wondering if we should stop using resistance and go to daily high rep ab worhouts without resistance. Maybe a combination of the two. As an aside, ab questions seem to be among the most asked questions. I would love it if the more knowlegable folk here would do a "everything you wanna know about abs kind of post. I do include you in the "more knowlegable" folk Ivan so let 'er rip buddy. -------------- Some times life is like herding cats. Charlie
hecdarec Posts: 2,457 Joined: 2003/12/16	2004/02/24, 01:43 PM I do not use resistance for my abs. I am also about 9% body fat so I would have to say that the thin layer of fat theory does not apply to me. My stomach just sticks out yet it is ripped. I am puzzled. -------------- Hecdarec in full effect.
JessicaR Posts: 467 Joined: 2002/08/12	2004/02/24, 02:06 PM My sister told me once, Aw, your abs look like a little boy's, they stick out further than your chest. :surprised:
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2004/02/24, 02:25 PM Hec, are you saying that you never use resistance and you still have the 'protruding' abs? If so that shoots down that theory to some extent. Again the blind ..... I agree with Charlie's suggestion. "Everything that you wanted to know about abs but were afraid to ask".
hecdarec Posts: 2,457 Joined: 2003/12/16	2004/02/24, 03:28 PM That is exactly what I am saying. Only when I stand normally (not flexed) does my stomach look round and ripped. If I flex them my stomach is flat. -------------- Hecdarec in full effect.
csferrie Posts: 102 Joined: 2003/11/02	2004/02/24, 03:39 PM Posture maybe? No one ever told me to have good posture so my back is always arched... in fact, it is right now. Stand straight and tall, and don't look down!