Core muscles

[Zozo]

I've never been stronger in my core. I am using 15s where Cathe uses 5s (I know it depends on the workout... ) yet my waist is THICKER. I can see my abs.. they're just hiding a little.. but I have definitely gained an inch in my waist.. but my weights not significantly different!

I read somewhere that training your obliques is only useful if you want to make them bigger... like training your bicep: the more work/ heavier weight you use, the bigger they get.

Does anybody have any advice? I was going to cut out core routines all together.. buT Im a bit reluctant.....

 

[JeanneMarie]

I am curious... what kind of core exercise are you doing that uses 15 lbs where Cathe uses 5s?

I can't think of a single core move that I do that requires heavy weights like that. I would guess that is why your waist is getting bigger.

 

[Zozo]

For example.. on the Butts and Guts dvd... the oblique twists, the controlled crunches... any sit ups that involve holding a weight I tend to go heavy.

I was under the impression that the heavier.. the better I think I got it wrong though....

 

[jcm]

I definitely wouldn't cut core work. Try doing more plank-type work and pilates type moves. STS ab circuits and core max has some great core moves.

 

[syzygy314]

I wouldn't stop doing all core. I would quit doing the ab workouts with weights though, especially if you don't want to gain inches in your waist! Me, that's not what I would want! As with anything, if you use heavy weights, you'll increase muscle size. If you just want definition and a smaller waist, either stay with really light weights or no weights, particularly with abs! I would NEVER do ab work with weights except on rare occasions.

 

[Zozo]

Thank you so much I'm glad... I had abs scheduled ORIGINALLY today... and decided against it.,.. I'm just off to do some with NO weights

And yes.. I do want a smaller waist
Thanks for the advice

 

[kathryn]

The weights aren't that different?
You're using 3x the weight Cathe is! That's a pretty big difference, IMO.
For twisting and core moves like that, I think feeling it in the muscles as you are somewhat pulling them in is much more effective than loading up on the weight. Doing cross-body punches can have similar toning benefits without using weights.

 

[JeanneMarie]

The weights aren't that different?
You're using 3x the weight Cathe is! That's a pretty big difference, IMO.
For twisting and core moves like that, I think feeling it in the muscles as you are somewhat pulling them in is much more effective than loading up on the weight. Doing cross-body punches can have similar toning benefits without using weights.

Kathryn, I think she meant her "weight" (as in what she weighs) is not that much different, even though she has gained in the waist area. Correct me if I'm wrong!

Bottom line, Zozo, you definitely don't need to be using heavy weights for any core exercise. It makes no sense! I think if you'll just go with what Cathe uses (or even less), you'll be happier with your results. Good luck!

 

[Zozo]

Kathryn, I think she meant her "weight" (as in what she weighs) is not that much different, even though she has gained in the waist area. Correct me if I'm wrong!

Bottom line, Zozo, you definitely don't need to be using heavy weights for any core exercise. It makes no sense! I think if you'll just go with what Cathe uses (or even less), you'll be happier with your results. Good luck!

THank you And yes, i did mean MY weight
I will give it a go
I had read somewhere that heavy weights was better for 'results'... sadly I think those 'results' were not a smaller waist, but a stronger core... so I will definitely use no weights or 5s

 

[kathryn]

Oops!
Sorry I misread.
(I've been zipping through the forums quickly, as I've had very limited time to 'visit').