Group: Experienced Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 50, Messages: 19484

For intermediate and advanced individuals. Share and learn how to take your fitness to the next level!

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Abdominal Training

ShooterUK
ShooterUK
Posts: 53
Joined: 2003/03/23
United States
2003/04/02, 12:01 AM
I was wondering if you should work your abs every other day, or if you can work them everyday. I heard that they are a high fiber muscle and that you can work them everyday, yet I still hear "Well they are a muscle and they need to rest just like when you tear other muscles" Can anyone give me some information of which theory is correct here? and one more thing, How many crunches should be performed per ab session, I don't want to over do it, I heard that anywhere from 75-100 per session is all that you should do? Thanks for the information I really appreciate it!!!
peopleschamp
peopleschamp
Posts: 38
Joined: 2003/03/20
United States
2003/04/02, 12:07 PM
abs are smaller so you can work them more often than say the biceps, but don't do more than three days a week. they get a workout from all the stabilizing they do from other exercises ie the bicep curl, it is slight but there is definately some there. they do need rest like anyother muscle. keep reps at like 15 or so. if you do 4 sets of crunches, leg raises, twists thats a total of 120. the main thing is form, sqeeze throughout the movement and tighten at the peak of the movement, don't forget to breathe.
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2003/04/02, 12:51 PM
Depends on your goals shooteruk, if you want just a flat stomach, no "six pack", then by all means, do crunches daily. If you want that definition, that "six pack", then you have to build the muscle. This is accomplished like any other muscle. They need to be worked with resisitance, heavy, fed and rested. And contrary to media hype and the "experts" in the gyms, do no more than 3 exercises per ab workout, 3-4 sets each, 2-3 days per week, 2 usually being better. 15 minutes and you should be done with them.

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