Abs

[iamcrazy]

Ok, i have a few questions about ab exercises. I ran into this nurse the other week and she said that your abs can retain water in them and the more you exercise them by doing crunches the more defined they will look. I don't mean to sound ignorant but is this true??

I have a really hard time doing crunches because they really hurt my neck. I have been considering getting the ab roller with pro assist, they sell them for about $30 and they have great reviews. They help you do situps without hurting your neck.

Ank advice you can offer would be most appreciated!

[Iapetus999]

Re: Abs

Really the only way to get the abs looking better is to lower body fat %.

I did a Pilates class the other day on a whim (after getting in my normal abs workout ) and I know what you mean about your neck...it was pretty sore the next day...much more than the abs.

Apparently tho the "core" muscles are really good fat-burning muscles so building them up is a good thing. Maybe Pilates isn't the way to go

[Finelly]

Re: Abs

The ab roller thing really helps with the neck pain.

Leg lifts are really good, too, so alternate and combine different abs exercises.

[cajunthunder]

Re: Abs

One thing my trainer has said to me over and over is that no amount of crunches will make a difference in your abs until you get the fat off. Now that didn't mean we aren't doing crunches - we do, but I didn't expect to see the results until the fat was gone. Now I just have the lower tummy pooch to burn off, as my upper tummy area is looking good. I ~think~ I'm seeing a two pack (no six pack yet ;o).

Before doing Atkins, I bought the 6 second abs doo dad. I guess I oughta get it out and use it now. But I can tell you, you will feel it when you use it. No neck strain either.