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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confusion about abs

elbarto4
elbarto4
Posts: 3
Joined: 2003/02/28
United States
2003/03/26, 11:53 AM
i started working on my abs in november and since then ive developed a routine thats includes usually 9 exercises of 3 sets of between 15-30 reps depending on the exercise. this takes me around 45+ minutes and ive recently started to add weights and lower reps a little. Is this ok or should i change it and do fewer exercises/reps with more weight? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...thanks
mackfactor
mackfactor
Posts: 766
Joined: 2002/10/17
United States
2003/03/26, 12:28 PM
Twenty seven sets for just your abs seems a little much. Are you doing that much work for your lower back muscles (antagonist core muscle group)? If not, you're going to develop a serious imbalance.
That aside, I'd reduce reps and add weight. Most people train their abs completely differently than they'd train the rest of their body. That doesn't make any sense. Would you do 27 sets of 15-30 reps for your chest? Not if you want to get big.

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"Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!"
-- Bob Dylan
bb1fit
bb1fit
Posts: 11,105
Joined: 2001/06/30
United States
2003/03/26, 12:57 PM
that is way too many sets/reps. Abs are a muscle like any other. Despite the media selling everything under the sun for ab work, you do not need tons of sets. Just choose one exercise for upper abs, one for lowers, 3-4 sets each, twice per week, at most 3 times. Use weight that will tax the muscle just like you would for any other muscle. That and then rest them, and you should see the results you are looking for with correct diet.

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The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.