All those abs

[Labarum]

Do all those abs make any difference to most of us?

I thought you body fat had to be quite low before exercise would improve abdominal definition. before that is it not just as effective (may be more effective) to concentrate on general exercise?

[Richt]

Re: All those abs

I'm not sure if I fully understand what you mean Brian?

But its good practice to do ab exercises and even practice "sucking those abs" in, as it makes your posture a lot better and it helps strengthen your "tummy".

[higgies]

Re: All those abs

I'm actually staqrting to see a little more definition now and I only do crunches and lsome light leg lifts. I think doing them is a good idea no matter what, plus if you work on defining/building them up then they will start showing somewhat through a thicker layer of fat.

[Richt]

Re: All those abs

It is true though, crunches and sit ups alone will not reduce the size of the "belly". You cannot spot train.

[higgies]

Re: All those abs

Right-o.

[Dorr185]

Re: All those abs

Well, you can't spot train to burn fat, but definitely can spot train to increase muscle. If you spot train your mid-section and gain muscle, you can absolutely improve it's size.

Although I am still fat, doing sit-ups religously for the last month has started to reshape my mid-section. Before I was just losing weight, but now I am losing weight and reshaping my body.

[Chasin2Kids]

Re: All those abs

Good question Labarum - I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for the answers.

[Lyssie]

Re: All those abs

Uhmmm.. I have a completely different shape due to doing these. I'm still mad overweight, but I have definition even through the flab from doing my crunches and leg raises. And then, when I'm not a cow, I will have beautiful abs which will be one less thing I will have to focus on. Nevermind that they help your posture and if you're building muscle, it's burning more calories.

[ValidRouge]

Re: All those abs

And, I've been learning that strengthening your core muscles are so important (abs, of course, are part of the core). If your core is not strong, you don't have as good balance, you won't be able to keep your form as strong and correct when doing other types of exercise which can lead to injury.

[higgies]

Re: All those abs

I think the point is you can't spot train to lose fat in a specific location of your body. Strengthening and toning the underlying muscles will however change the look, feel, and end results once the fat is lost from the area.

Definitely a good question!

[sweetgirl2]

Re: All those abs

oh boy, I've been doing the ab challenges since Oct and can I notice the difference so much!
I feel stronger and taller and my lower back even feels so strong & fantastic. I'm glad I've been doing them and yes I still have some padding on top hehehe but I've lost 8 inches off my waist. Can't complain about that at all. Abs rule, I don't think it matters how much you have to lose, it' a good thing