Ab work with less reps and more work

[fitforever]

Hi,
I've been getting some great advise at my gym about doing ab work with less reps that seem to be paying off. All it is is pulling my navel into my backbone as far as I can. And at the same time relaxing my legs and fanny. It is very hard :-tired and takes a great deal of concentration but I find I don't have to do so many sets to really work that area well. Just wondering if anyone else out there has had good luck with it also?

 

[wendyloo]

Yes! I had a great instructor at the Y I used to go to, who talked about people waisting their time doing such long ab workouts, and that if they would just do them correctly they would hardly have to do any reps at all! That has worked for me, too, but I think the plank work, especially from CTX, is even more effective
Wendy

 

[fitforever]

Hi Wendy,
I don't have those tapes. Could you tell me about the plank work? Like to try them. Thanks Lora

 

[wendyloo]

planks

Hi, Lora.
Planks are poses that strengthen your core muscles--abs, lower back. They are difficult to describe, but I'll try.
You know those torso track commercials? If so, then think about how you are in a face down position on your knees, sort of as if you were going to do a push-up. That's one pose: on hands and knees, body at an angle, weight supported in your hands. To make it harder, straighten your knees and support your legs on the balls or toes of your feet. You can also do this with your forearms supporting yourself. More advanced is: raise one leg up (no more than hip height) and hold.
These are really not good descriptions, so you'll just have to go ahead and buy the tapes!
Wendy

 

[fitforever]

RE: planks

Hi Windy,
Hay, I've done those. Didn't know that's what they call them. I have also heard the Physeo Ball has many good Ab. exercises you can do on it. I was talking to a personal trainer yesterday that was telling me about a course she's taking and the Ab work, sounded intersting. I'm not sure I understand the concept so I can't explain it yet. Will need to try it out first. Then I can share it with you.
Thanks for your enlightenment. :7 Lora

 

[tricia]

How well does this work the Lower Abdominals?

This technique sounds very effective (and difficult, having to loosen legs and bottom!) - Do you feel that you're getting good results in the lower ab area? That is the area I feel I need to work on most, and to be honest - I don't enjoy reverse crunches, they feel awkward! Maybe because it seems to do them correctly, you don't move very much. ("This work is very subtle" as Cathe would say!!)
I would be interested to hear if you've noticed any difference using this technique in strenghtening this stubborn area!
Thanks - Tricia

 

[fitforever]

RE: How well does this work the Lower Abdominals?

Hi Tricia,
I'm not the expert and maybe Cathe should be the one answering this. I was talking to a personal trainer about this exercise and she said that what I'm doing with this particular ab exercise is working the core ab muscle. The deeper muscle. Now I'm not sure if would affect all of the muscles in the ab group. I guess I need to know more about the anatomy. All I can say is something is reducing my tummy. Weight loss or whatever. I just like not having to do so many reps. Lora