Question on Abs

[Author]

Hi Cathe!

In the 80's, the original FIRM did a series called 20 questions about fitness. It came at the end of each workout and I've probably listened to it over 50 times or more. In this particular documentary it states that one shouldn't use weights on the obliques as this tends to build them and that in turn tends to thicken the waistline (which as women, we like to keep somewhat small). So they recommended using no weights on the obliques (I hope I spelled that correctly).

I was wondering about this in some of the new workouts that use weights and balance training that requires much ab work in order to keep balance -- I never use weights on the obliques because of this information, but am wondering now if using these weights with a balance in them might not have the same effect.

Just wondering what you educated opinion might be on this. I love the new workouts, Cathe. I sometimes get workouts from others as I like to have a good assortment of workouts, but there is no one out there who compares to you. Just want you to know how much you and your creations are appreciated.

Warmest,
Kay

 

[Author]

Abs

It would be wonderful if any of you out there dedicated to exercise might know the answer to this question. I would really like to hear an educated opinion about this -- like I've said I've listened to this documentary -- 20 questions about fitness -- so many times, I almost know it by heart. Sigh...

Thanks for any input.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Thank you for your kind words Kay! I've heard about the 20 questions about fitness but I never actually watched it so its hard for me to comment based on that specific information. But I will tell you about my thoughts based on my knowledge of core training.

The core has muscles that provide stabilization and others that provide trunk movement. The muscles responsible for stabilizing respond best to isometric exercises held for a period of time or low-intensity (just your bodyweight) exercises for a higher number of repetitions over 12 reps.

The muscles responsible for providing trunk movement respond best to increased loading (resistance) for a fewer number of repetitions. But this rep range won’t make the muscles bigger, it will just be more effective at stimulating the muscle fibers. In fact for best "loaded" results, you should be fatigued somewhere around 9 or 10 reps. If you can complete more than 12 repetitions, increase the load or resistance of the exercise.

I always do very high reps when I use weight(s) with a core exercise. Many times well over 12 and more like 16 plus reps, so no worries on increasing your obliques.

And of course, you always have the choice to use or not use a weight if you are not feeling comfortable using a weight at any time. You will still get benefits.

Hi Cathe!

In the 80's, the original FIRM did a series called 20 questions about fitness. It came at the end of each workout and I've probably listened to it over 50 times or more. In this particular documentary it states that one shouldn't use weights on the obliques as this tends to build them and that in turn tends to thicken the waistline (which as women, we like to keep somewhat small). So they recommended using no weights on the obliques (I hope I spelled that correctly).

I was wondering about this in some of the new workouts that use weights and balance training that requires much ab work in order to keep balance -- I never use weights on the obliques because of this information, but am wondering now if using these weights with a balance in them might not have the same effect.

Just wondering what you educated opinion might be on this. I love the new workouts, Cathe. I sometimes get workouts from others as I like to have a good assortment of workouts, but there is no one out there who compares to you. Just want you to know how much you and your creations are appreciated.

Warmest,
Kay

 

[Author]

Thank you, Cathe!

Thanks for telling me your educated opinion on this. I've often wondered because of this info from the FIRM. Also makes me want to learn more about the abs in general. I've noticed as I get older, that keeping my waistline is a bit more challenging than when I was young. Just seems to be the way of nature, I guess... At least for me...

Again thanks, I'm going to read this again to try to understand this better.

So appreciated.

 

[Mariposa1973]

Good Information

I love six pack but is nice small waist.