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2004/02/19, 09:17 AM
:( Ok. While I was exercising last night I was watching my abs and really, I am quite impressed. HOWEVER, the area below my belly button just is not developing... actually that goes for the backside too. I'm thinking that when I re-start my ab 12 week program (I'm on week 7) again I will swap an exercise that will work on this GUT for one that won't. Anyone have any ideas?
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The average dog is nicer than the average person. -Andy Rooney
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2004/02/19, 09:49 AM
Leg lifts, reverse crunches, heel touchers, hanging leg lifts, those are probably the best for that place. I have the same problem though and i am working on it, i think that that part of the abdominal muscles takes the most time to build. good luck!!!!!! - Alex
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2004/02/19, 10:27 AM
What's a heel toucher?
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Quoting from ioioio:
Leg lifts, reverse crunches, heel touchers, hanging leg lifts, those are probably the best for that place. I have the same problem though and i am working on it, i think that that part of the abdominal muscles takes the most time to build. good luck!!!!!! - Alex
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The average dog is nicer than the average person. -Andy Rooney
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2004/02/19, 10:28 AM
yay! I just made popular status. haha:big_smile:
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The average dog is nicer than the average person. -Andy Rooney
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2004/02/19, 10:53 AM
Congrats on the popular staus but don't get too excited it's only posts. well heel touchers.....how can i explain.......well get into the same position as in crunches then touch your heels, you would think it works the upper part of the abdominal muscles but it really works the lower part very well!!!! i personally love leg lifts though, they are amazing!!!!! cya around:dumbbell::):cool:
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2004/02/19, 01:30 PM
shakkai,
the rectus abdominus is one long muscle with attachments on the upper and lower part of your abdomen. So, while some exercises may feel more like they work the 'lower abs', they are actually working the same muscle as in crunches. Try double crunches (or clamshells) if you want to feel it all thorugh your abdominal area - lie in a crunch position, then bring your bent legs up to a 90 degree angle, now when your crunch, try to simultaneously lift your hips up and toward your head a little. My clients like that one because they feel it upper and lower.
It sounds like you are going on the theory of spot reduction, spot reduction is a myth. You probably have really nice lower abs, they are just covered in a little bodyfat. Often the abs and glutes are the last places that stubbornly hold on to fat. Keep eating clean, do your cardio and lift and eventually you will see the fat melt away and reveal your abs/back.
Good luck!:big_smile:
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"To be able to go to the gym and train hard is a joy and a privelege, even though the hard work necessitates driving yourself through considerable discomfort. Savor this privelege and blessing, and revel in it."
Stuart McRobert, Beyond Brawn
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2004/02/19, 02:02 PM
My problem with my belly...besides the "bigger" area under the belly button which we already got some very good advice for, is that I have big "huge muscles" in the area UNDER my ribs. I mean, they really stick out as compared with the rest of my abs. Should I stop doing crunches which target that area or what should I do??:(
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2004/02/20, 10:09 AM
Diana123 cut down on crunches but don't stup and try to do more reverse crunches and other exercises that target the lower abs.:dumbbell:
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free your mind -Logger
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2004/02/20, 10:21 AM
Thanx Logger, but one more question...how do you do reverse crunches...? I've been doing a lot of leg-lifts and leg raises, are these good for the lower abs too?With leg lifts I feel the upper abs a lot though, but they supposedly are good for the bottom part too. ??
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2004/02/20, 11:31 AM
Diana,
Is it solid, hard muscle under your ribs, or is there some ft on top of the muscle?
Do crunches, just try to do them for endurance and avoid weighted exercises for your abs.
Try some pilates type moves that target your core as a unit, instead of isolating upper/lower/obliques.
My answer above addresses your question about lower abdominal involvement.
Reverse curls are performed by lying on y9our back and bending at the hips and kness, fett off the floor, you want to lift your hips by curlign your abdominals, pushin your knees up and towards you head. It takes some practice to achieve the lift, at first you may just feel a strong contraction and your pelvis will tilt, but as you learn to recruit your ab from that angle you will be able to actually curl your torso.
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"To be able to go to the gym and train hard is a joy and a privelege, even though the hard work necessitates driving yourself through considerable discomfort. Savor this privelege and blessing, and revel in it."
Stuart McRobert, Beyond Brawn
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2004/02/20, 01:15 PM
I worked with a Pilates trainer for some time to learn how to perform the moves properly, and WOW did I see results in my lower abdomenal area.
Others noticed too :big_smile:
Got away from it for awhile, and wasn't seen the same flat belly from crunches etc.. so I bought a couple Pilates videos a month ago and do them at home mornings.. Doesn't solve the issue of reducing the bit of fat OVER the muscles, but I've found I feel stronger and have better posture, which goes a long way.
If you're looking for something to switch up to for Abs might want to give it a try!
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: ] ~ Danielle
Firm Butt Thin Thighs Flat Abs - repeat this mantra as needed whenever an unhealthy urge arises.
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2004/02/20, 04:10 PM
Thanks so much for the great info!:) I haven't ever thought of pilates as a solution but I will consider it if it works like you both say. And thanx for the reverse crunch explanation. Seems a bit difficult, but I will try it. I have a little fat on the muscles under the ribs, but it is mostly hard. Most of my tummy fat is on the bottom :( But I will use your advice and work on it, Thanks! Is there any good website that explains pilate move by the way?
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2004/02/23, 04:08 AM
Try the hanging leg lift, when your knees have been brought up to your waist, straighten your legs and hold for 30 secs (or a long as you can, ie like a gymnast does on the rings, hold this for 30 secs and if you can do 10 in a set your doing alright, but even 1 or 2 a day work your lower abs great
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2004/02/23, 06:44 AM
pilates are great too. i have done a few pilates workouts and got great benefits but i was injured and took a long break and forgot most of the exercises when i was well enough:surprised:.
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free your mind -Logger
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