Need Ab Work

[SWEETNESS]

Hey ladies- I am wanting to know what specific things you do to focus on your abs. The basics aren't giving me the results I am looking for. The few machines I have used haven't impressed me but that could easily be my technique. I don't really need to lean down- just get definition. What suggestions can you offer up?

 

[ScorpioGirl]

Hey ladies- I am wanting to know what specific things you do to focus on your abs. The basics aren't giving me the results I am looking for. The few machines I have used haven't impressed me but that could easily be my technique. I don't really need to lean down- just get definition. What suggestions can you offer up?

Leaning out and definition go hand-in-hand. You can't have one without the other. What have you been doing for abs, how long, how many reps and at what weight (if any)?

 

[SWEETNESS]

Here's my info:

I am 31, 5'4, about 107, high metabolism, eat pretty much what I want but I enjoy the healthy foods more than junk. If anything, I can't seem to get enough in me and I am exhausted by the time I am finished with an hr work out. I am focusing on more protein and carbs since I am trying to get gain some size, strength, and definition. I will start a cycle (first one) in a few weeks when I heal from wrist surgery.

I work out 4-5x weekly and do a little on abs each day. A variety of crunches. Get in about 150 on an average day. I do about 50 leg lifts to work the lower. I have a weak/injured lower back (from years ago)and the machines seem to irritate it so I have stayed away. Again, it may just be my form or trying to do more than I should. The crunches are doing nothing at this point. I may have to suck it up and deal with the back pain to get the results I want.

 

[ScorpioGirl]

Here's my info:

I am 31, 5'4, about 107, high metabolism, eat pretty much what I want but I enjoy the healthy foods more than junk. If anything, I can't seem to get enough in me and I am exhausted by the time I am finished with an hr work out. I am focusing on more protein and carbs since I am trying to get gain some size, strength, and definition. I will start a cycle (first one) in a few weeks when I heal from wrist surgery.

I work out 4-5x weekly and do a little on abs each day. A variety of crunches. Get in about 150 on an average day. I do about 50 leg lifts to work the lower. I have a weak/injured lower back (from years ago)and the machines seem to irritate it so I have stayed away. Again, it may just be my form or trying to do more than I should. The crunches are doing nothing at this point. I may have to suck it up and deal with the back pain to get the results I want.

Don't work abs TOO much - overtraining..... In the last year, I bet I've used an ab machine 5x lol I prefer a bench with a 5-10 lb db between my feet or a decline bench with a med ball. I think most of the time the abs are already there and don't need A LOT of work, but there is a layer of fat there so you can't see them like you would want to. You are TINY!!!! lol I'm 5'4" and 124. Do you know your bf%? Do you know your body type? Endo's gain in the middle first, so it's always a battle to get the abs poppin'.

 

[SWEETNESS]

Tiny gets old. Most at the gym say my shape and tone are perfect but I want enough size to feel really good about myself, healthy, and get the rest of the world off my back about being skinny. My boyfriend has really helped me so far and is a huge encouragement. He knows my goals and pushes me pretty hard. We don't get to work out together anymore due to his work schedule. So, I am getting my drive from reading what everyone else is doing. (A lot to compare myself to!) I am not sure what body type I am or how to find out. One of the trainers at the gym estimated my body fat to be appx 10-11%. My abs are there and that's what ticks me off-- I can't make them pop like I want. My other trouble area is my rear but I tried new stuff last night and I think that has put my glutes into shock! Loving it! I will try what you suggested and maybe just do it once a week. Thanks!!

 

[ScorpioGirl]

I would dbl check that bf% by having someone do a 7-9 point on you. I thought I was lower than what I actually am. If the outline of your abs aren't seen right now, I highly doubt you are 10-11%. Have it checked just for your own reference point. It can vary trainer to trainer on the number they get so make sure if you do it in the future, you have the same trainer check it for you.

 

[SWEETNESS]

Can do. Like I said, I see room for A LOT of improvement and they seem to think I'm fine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - right!? You can see the outline but not much definition. I will get there and I hope to see dramatic changes in the next 4 weeks. While my hand is out of commission, I can target my abs.

 

[ScorpioGirl]

Any cardio?

 

[SWEETNESS]

Not my favorite thing but I do it about once/twice a week. I either run on the tread mill or bike. Not big into "classes". Just about 15-30 mins tops. I've found that more than that burns off everything I am trying to gain.