Sucking in the Stomach

Rocco32 · 08-14-2003, 11:28 AM

Do most people suck in their stomachs all day long or do you keep it relaxed. I've lost a lot of weight and sucked in (not vacuumed) my stomach looks good, but if I completely relax it, it sticks out quite a bit. Is that normal or do I need to do some more sit-ups?

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 12:07 PM

I have naturally sucked it in somewhat for years. It feels strange to just "let it all hang out."

I would worry about bodyfat before doing "more situps," what is your BF%?

**Prince** · 08-14-2003, 01:49 PM

Sit-ups will not help, first of all sit-ups work more of your hip flexors than they do your abs, and secondly it sounds like the problem is bodyfat, therefore diet is the key, not ab training.

**gopro** · 08-14-2003, 02:03 PM

I try to suck my stomach in all day if possible. I also do it as an exercise during ab training. Sucking in the stomach works the transverse abdominals and it can actually help to flatten your tummy over time (No, not if you have a big beer belly).

cjrmack · 08-14-2003, 02:32 PM

I think it is normal. I semi suck my stomach in all the time. I have noticed too that since I drink so much water a lot of it is bloating. There have been days when I do not drink as much water that my stomach is flatter.

**Prince** · 08-14-2003, 03:12 PM

I bet gopro is one those characters that sucks his stomach in, pushes his chest out, and walks around with his arms stuck out cause his lats are too big for his arms to hang normal.

**gopro** · 08-14-2003, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince
I bet gopro is one those characters that sucks his stomach in, pushes his chest out, and walks around with his arms stuck out cause his lats are too big for his arms to hang normal.

LOL, not me bro. I wear sweatpants and a swetshirt or oversized t-shirt to the gym. You never catch me in a tanktop. The only time my shirt is off is in the bedroom, on the beach, or onstage. A more modest person you will never meet!

**Prince** · 08-14-2003, 03:53 PM

Fit Freak · 08-14-2003, 03:56 PM

LMAO...

Rocco32 · 08-14-2003, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
I have naturally sucked it in somewhat for years. It feels strange to just "let it all hang out."

I would worry about bodyfat before doing "more situps," what is your BF%?

I use the electrical impulse scale. In the morning it's 13-15%. In the evening it's 8-10%. It reads lower the more hydrated you are. I don't know which of those is the real BF.

OceanDude · 08-14-2003, 04:23 PM

Well here is a hint rock - if you don't have a 6=pack its probably in the 13-15 range not the 8-10 range.

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rock4832
I use the electrical impulse scale. In the morning it's 13-15%. In the evening it's 8-10%. It reads lower the more hydrated you are. I don't know which of those is the real BF.

Which is why these scales are considered semi-worthless, due to thier unreliability. 8-10% would have you looking pretty good, 13-15% is so-so. I can see my upper 4 abs semi decently at 14%.

Ocean, how about those calipers, do they have memory so you can keep measuring each bodypart and not have to write it down? I have heard they are unreliable also but I am not sure why, I would think it would be fairly simple to build something that could measure the mm and not screw it up.

OceanDude · 08-14-2003, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
Which is why these scales are considered semi-worthless, due to thier unreliability. 8-10% would have you looking pretty good, 13-15% is so-so. I can see my upper 4 abs semi decently at 14%.

Ocean, how about those calipers, do they have memory so you can keep measuring each bodypart and not have to write it down? I have heard they are unreliable also but I am not sure why, I would think it would be fairly simple to build something that could measure the mm and not screw it up.

Yes they do have a memory and will read out the measurement in mm. But they automatically calculate the % BF based on a standard formula after the last data point is taken. They are reliable. You just got to know how to use them. The commin mistake is grabbing too much skin and getting some flesh or muscle tissue and thinking you are fatter than you are. It's all about technique - and different people can get different readings. The Fat Trac II has a special button that will engage at a preset tension on the skin so you get consistent results. But you still must be careful to not grab muscle or body tissue and only fat. You can of course keep re-taking measurements till you are confident you are repeating the same BF% to get a confidence in the number. I use it to gage relative improvement and don't think in terms of absolutes anyway since they do not measure internal organ fat - which can be high for some people in the 25%+ BF range.

For men the device requres you sample 3 points:
1) Pec region half way between arm pit and nipple.
2) Abdominal area to the right of navel using a vertical pinch
3) Middle of thigh using a vertical pinch

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OceanDude
But they automatically calculate the % BF based on a standard formula after the last data point is taken

Thats what I meant, although I'd really like 7/9 point option, does it have that ability?

Quote:

don't think in terms of absolutes anyway since they do not measure internal organ fat

Visceral/intramuscular fat, asians apperantly have higher amounts of it.

OceanDude · 08-14-2003, 06:46 PM

The Fat Track II is a 3 point system. There are a lot of 7 point systems and some 9 point ones but they are very expensive relative to the 3 point ones and I don't know a whole lot of people who feel they are worth the $ increase as well as the hassle of measuring that many body locations. My attitude is the more samples that you take the more chance for sampling error but I guess they figure out a way in the calculations to automatically detect the errors and cross correleate to get a little better % acuracy over 3 point systems. The 3 point system will give you a mm read out but it will only remember 3 locations so you will need to write down the numbers at some point unless you buy a 7 or 9 point version.

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 06:48 PM

If a person distributes fat like a statistically average person then 3 point is somewhat accurate yes.

OceanDude · 08-14-2003, 07:01 PM

Well they are claiming to be within 2%of hydrostatic testing. So that's perfectly accurate enough for me.

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 07:08 PM

Realistically I agree, I use the mirror, and the idea is even if you dont believe the bodyfat % you can at least look at the numbers to see if they are changing

OceanDude · 08-14-2003, 07:14 PM

exactly...

At this point I am using only one final measurement - 6-pack. I have a center line going and almost a 4 pack so I know my calipers are close when they say about 10%. I am figuring i need to get to 8%...

**Mudge** · 08-14-2003, 07:52 PM

Sweet, yeah 8-10% would be nice, I am not sure how easy it would be for me to hold and maintain under 10% though.

perfecto · 08-15-2003, 12:50 AM

mudge: when you talk about your upper 4 showin at 14% are u talkin about flexed or non flexed?

**Mudge** · 08-15-2003, 02:45 AM

Flexed.

perfecto · 08-15-2003, 02:52 AM

yer see i dont quite understand that, when flexed both my top 4 abs show aswell. however i dunno wat bodyfat % im at and i recon quite abit becaus wen i sit down there is still fat at the bottom of my stomech like pinchable rolls of fat not huge or nuthin but they are there

**Mudge** · 08-15-2003, 03:29 AM

It depends how well you see them, its not like I could not see some sign of abs when fatter. 14% is when they start to come in somewhat encouragingly, for me anyway. As for the lower two... I dont expect to see those for awhile.

OceanDude · 08-15-2003, 06:38 AM

Perfecto, this is the fact of life for men. Even at low body fat you will typically have that roll of fat in the lower abdominal area - it's just where the body likes to store fat and you always need "some" fat to be healthy. So evan at 6% body fat (the lower limit on sustained healthy low fat), at a scale weight of 200 lbs that's 12 lbs of fat that has to go somewhere. All we can do is reduce it to the point where it looks the best we can make it look in photo phoses and standing. If you lie down or sit it will always tend to roll up some - but its a hell of a lot batter at 10% bf and less than it is at 15% and above believe me.

perfecto · 08-15-2003, 10:07 AM

yer it would be good to get down to 10%

08-14-2003, 11:28 AM	#1
Rocco32 UNLEASH THE BEAST Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 22,313 Photos: 18	Sucking in the Stomach Do most people suck in their stomachs all day long or do you keep it relaxed. I've lost a lot of weight and sucked in (not vacuumed) my stomach looks good, but if I completely relax it, it sticks out quite a bit. Is that normal or do I need to do some more sit-ups?

08-14-2003, 12:07 PM	#2
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	I have naturally sucked it in somewhat for years. It feels strange to just "let it all hang out." I would worry about bodyfat before doing "more situps," what is your BF%?
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

08-14-2003, 01:49 PM	#3
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,931 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	Sit-ups will not help, first of all sit-ups work more of your hip flexors than they do your abs, and secondly it sounds like the problem is bodyfat, therefore diet is the key, not ab training.
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (CEE) On Sale $17.49 per bottle!

08-14-2003, 02:03 PM	#4
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,521	I try to suck my stomach in all day if possible. I also do it as an exercise during ab training. Sucking in the stomach works the transverse abdominals and it can actually help to flatten your tummy over time (No, not if you have a big beer belly).
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. GOLIATH LABS Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

08-14-2003, 03:12 PM	#6
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,931 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	I bet gopro is one those characters that sucks his stomach in, pushes his chest out, and walks around with his arms stuck out cause his lats are too big for his arms to hang normal.
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (CEE) On Sale $17.49 per bottle!

08-14-2003, 02:32 PM	#5
cjrmack Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Palm Desert, CA Posts: 247	I think it is normal. I semi suck my stomach in all the time. I have noticed too that since I drink so much water a lot of it is bloating. There have been days when I do not drink as much water that my stomach is flatter.

08-14-2003, 03:53 PM	#8
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,931 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (CEE) On Sale $17.49 per bottle!

08-14-2003, 03:56 PM	#9
Fit Freak Fit Freak Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Halifax Posts: 1,797 Photos: 6	LMAO...
	Searching for the right balance...

08-14-2003, 04:23 PM	#11
OceanDude Well Read Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Posts: 1,853	Well here is a hint rock - if you don't have a 6=pack its probably in the 13-15 range not the 8-10 range.
	"Doc, If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself..." Est unusquisque faber ipsae suae fortunae. We Americans scoff at the likes of African witch doctors yet spend 100's of millions of dollars on fake reducing systems. The only regular exercise he gets is stretching the truth. His intellect is not replenished, he is only an animal, only sensible in the duller parts...

08-14-2003, 06:46 PM	#15
OceanDude Well Read Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Posts: 1,853	The Fat Track II is a 3 point system. There are a lot of 7 point systems and some 9 point ones but they are very expensive relative to the 3 point ones and I don't know a whole lot of people who feel they are worth the $ increase as well as the hassle of measuring that many body locations. My attitude is the more samples that you take the more chance for sampling error but I guess they figure out a way in the calculations to automatically detect the errors and cross correleate to get a little better % acuracy over 3 point systems. The 3 point system will give you a mm read out but it will only remember 3 locations so you will need to write down the numbers at some point unless you buy a 7 or 9 point version.
	"Doc, If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself..." Est unusquisque faber ipsae suae fortunae. We Americans scoff at the likes of African witch doctors yet spend 100's of millions of dollars on fake reducing systems. The only regular exercise he gets is stretching the truth. His intellect is not replenished, he is only an animal, only sensible in the duller parts...

08-14-2003, 06:48 PM	#16
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	If a person distributes fat like a statistically average person then 3 point is somewhat accurate yes.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

08-14-2003, 07:01 PM	#17
OceanDude Well Read Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Posts: 1,853	Well they are claiming to be within 2%of hydrostatic testing. So that's perfectly accurate enough for me.
	"Doc, If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself..." Est unusquisque faber ipsae suae fortunae. We Americans scoff at the likes of African witch doctors yet spend 100's of millions of dollars on fake reducing systems. The only regular exercise he gets is stretching the truth. His intellect is not replenished, he is only an animal, only sensible in the duller parts...

08-14-2003, 07:08 PM	#18
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	Realistically I agree, I use the mirror, and the idea is even if you dont believe the bodyfat % you can at least look at the numbers to see if they are changing
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

08-14-2003, 07:14 PM	#19
OceanDude Well Read Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Posts: 1,853	exactly... At this point I am using only one final measurement - 6-pack. I have a center line going and almost a 4 pack so I know my calipers are close when they say about 10%. I am figuring i need to get to 8%...
	"Doc, If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself..." Est unusquisque faber ipsae suae fortunae. We Americans scoff at the likes of African witch doctors yet spend 100's of millions of dollars on fake reducing systems. The only regular exercise he gets is stretching the truth. His intellect is not replenished, he is only an animal, only sensible in the duller parts...

08-14-2003, 07:52 PM	#20
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	Sweet, yeah 8-10% would be nice, I am not sure how easy it would be for me to hold and maintain under 10% though.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

08-15-2003, 12:50 AM	#21
perfecto dirty but nice Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: land down under your mum Posts: 390 Photos: 5	mudge: when you talk about your upper 4 showin at 14% are u talkin about flexed or non flexed?
	"a scientist who works out, your like Indiana Jones"..."I AM LIKE INDIANA JONES" "dont hate me cause im beautiful baby, hate me cause your mother thinks so"

08-15-2003, 02:45 AM	#22
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	Flexed.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

08-15-2003, 02:52 AM	#23
perfecto dirty but nice Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: land down under your mum Posts: 390 Photos: 5	yer see i dont quite understand that, when flexed both my top 4 abs show aswell. however i dunno wat bodyfat % im at and i recon quite abit becaus wen i sit down there is still fat at the bottom of my stomech like pinchable rolls of fat not huge or nuthin but they are there
	"a scientist who works out, your like Indiana Jones"..."I AM LIKE INDIANA JONES" "dont hate me cause im beautiful baby, hate me cause your mother thinks so"

08-15-2003, 03:29 AM	#24
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	It depends how well you see them, its not like I could not see some sign of abs when fatter. 14% is when they start to come in somewhat encouragingly, for me anyway. As for the lower two... I dont expect to see those for awhile.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

08-15-2003, 06:38 AM	#25
OceanDude Well Read Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cape Canaveral, FL Posts: 1,853	Perfecto, this is the fact of life for men. Even at low body fat you will typically have that roll of fat in the lower abdominal area - it's just where the body likes to store fat and you always need "some" fat to be healthy. So evan at 6% body fat (the lower limit on sustained healthy low fat), at a scale weight of 200 lbs that's 12 lbs of fat that has to go somewhere. All we can do is reduce it to the point where it looks the best we can make it look in photo phoses and standing. If you lie down or sit it will always tend to roll up some - but its a hell of a lot batter at 10% bf and less than it is at 15% and above believe me.
	"Doc, If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself..." Est unusquisque faber ipsae suae fortunae. We Americans scoff at the likes of African witch doctors yet spend 100's of millions of dollars on fake reducing systems. The only regular exercise he gets is stretching the truth. His intellect is not replenished, he is only an animal, only sensible in the duller parts...

08-15-2003, 10:07 AM	#26
perfecto dirty but nice Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: land down under your mum Posts: 390 Photos: 5	yer it would be good to get down to 10%
	"a scientist who works out, your like Indiana Jones"..."I AM LIKE INDIANA JONES" "dont hate me cause im beautiful baby, hate me cause your mother thinks so"