Ab Strategy

[teddy16410]

Wondering about best way to define abs...
1. Do lite abs (like end of Cathe's tapes) every day
2. Work abs hard 2x per week (omitting abs on tapes daily)
3. Alternate weeks w/ above
4. Something I havent though of!

Thanks for your input

 

[bceogirl]

GREAT Question Traci !

Sorry that I don't have the answer. Right now I tend to work abs every other or every 3rd day, trying to remember to alternate a harder/longer workout (like coremax or abripperx), with a shorter one , but I don't know if that's the best way.

I'm sure you'll get some good answers. Hope you don't mind if I peek in to get some ideas too! ;-)

 

[teddy16410]

Peak away Becky! hopefully some of the experts on boards will chime in! Thought about asking Cathe but she's so dang busy right now I think I'll leave her be until editing is completed.

 

[kathryn]

I think it depends somewhat on what 'kind' of abs you want: flat and lean like Rhonda on Cathe's videos (my preference) or the somewhat bulgy 'defined six pack' look of some Oxygen magazine cover models (can you tell that's not a look that appeals to me? LOL!)?

For both, you need to reduce any body fat that may be covering the muscle (definition is muscle tone or growth + low body fat).

For the leaner look, I'd go with working the abs more often, and adding core work like pilates or planks or kickboxing.

For the defined-six--pack look, work abs less often, and add weights.

For reducing body fat, diet is the key, and in general burning more calories through exercise (add in some interval cardio 1-2 non-consecutive days a week if you aren't already doing so, and do some circuit-type weight workouts that have somewhat of a cardio effect, like Jari Love's workouts) and the thermic effect of food (eating more often) and taking in fewer calories.

 

[LauraMax]

I would go with #2 & do it with weights. Abs should be worked like any other muscle--you need to build the muscle so it will show. I do two weighted routines a week. One is at the gym--two exercises w/heavy weights, 4 sets 15 each, & the other is Core Max.

 

[teddy16410]

Thanks Kathryn & LauraMax!
I dont hold fat in my belly area ... all in the thighs and hips!
I really want the sleek toned look VS cover girl... beautiful but not my thing.
I think I'll start w/ a 4 week rotation of every day (using whats provided on DVD of the day or just do 1 option on CoreMax/Ab Hits.
Will see what happens after that.
Thanks again!

 

[LauraMax]

Lucky you! Whenever I gain weight it's around my middle, & I never gain it anywhere else--I look like a barrel w/4 toothpicks sticking out.

Not to disagree w/Kathryn, but you won't necessarily get that blocky ab look if you do a routine w/heavy weights. I think this totally depends on genetics--I do a pretty serious weighted ab routine & couldn't get that look if my life depended on it. I've actually ended up w/more of that lean look w/a little bit of definition.

Oh, also since I signed on to a new gym I got one free session w/a personal trainer. So I told him I wanted the most butt-kicking core routine he could design that incorporated the equipment I have at home (stability ball, light weights & bosu). My session is on Sat. morning so I'll let you know how that works out.

 

[Sekcy_Gymnast]

I agree w/ LauraMax. #2;-)


Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
-Laurie Kuslansky-

~Adri~
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[Imafitnessfreak]

Diet is critical. Start with that.

As for wanting the sleek look of a VS cover model, keep in mind they have extremely long bodies and mile long torso's. Don't go wishing for something unless your body is physically capable. Some (like me) have extremely short torso's so that sleek look is not in my future...EVER. Do the best with what you've got! I say examine what you have and then mimmick someone with your same body type.

Still...diet is most of it!

 

[allwildgirl]

"As for wanting the sleek look of a VS cover model, keep in mind they have extremely long bodies and mile long torsos."

And airbrushing and Photoshop and .... well, you get my drift

 

[sunnyside]

There's that old saying, "Abs are made in the kitchen". I also think genetics play a big part of how your abs will look after the fat is off of them. Seems I remember Cathe posting something along the lines of what Kathryn is saying though.

ETA:
I found the thread that Cathe posted on. Here is the link.
http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?...ic_id=46247&mesg_id=46247&listing_type=search

 

[teddy16410]

Thanks you guys! I'm cracking up because I meant to say I just want nice tone forget the 6 pack.... I actually see my 2 pack right now just want to balance out a bit w/ out "pumping up".

You guys have been very helpful!

 

[trunyon]

It took me a long time to be "happy" with the way I look. Even after I lost 15 lbs. I looked at one of my friends that was losing also and thought, wow - look at how thin. Then I thought, she's about 5'6, I'm 5'0. I was complimenting her and told her I was jealous and all the time, she had been jealous of me. I'm stalking and develop definition}( where she is tall and thin:7 So I agree, how we are built, genetics, etc all play a part. We all need to learn to quit being so hard on ourselves and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. If you guys won't, consider this a "pat-on-the-back" from me Take care and remember - You look wonderful just the way you are!!!!!

 

[jennifermaria]

>I dont hold fat in my belly area ... all in the thighs and
>hips!

Oh man am I jealous LOL! My fat is very much concentrated in my belly area . It's no coincidence that heart disease risk runs quite high in my family...

Jennifer

 

[gogigi]

I don't know if I would call this a strategey but I did Muscle Endurance Wednesday using the 8lb. med ball for that tough ab section. I did Better Burn...Better Buns today (cardio, lower, core intensive) and my ab/core area is quite sore today. I could feel it yesterday during my workout but today I have some pretty major sorness...the ab/core region HAS been worked!!!
Angela:7