abs and back

[J.Graham-H]

Hey guys I just had two quick questions for you.

1) Over the past few weeks I'v been doing leg raises and crunches, trying to get a better 6 pack to show. However all thats been happening is my stomach is getting bigger, theres still no real definition. I'm not fat by any means, which is how I had a 6 pack before, but I want the lines to be more define. All thats really been happening is my stomach appears more pushed out, in stead of the muscles becoming wider and taller like I want. A good example of what I want my abs to look like is Brad Pitt in Fight Club. So if anyone can give me any hints as to how I can achieve this, I'd appreciate it very much.

2) I want to strengthen my back, I'm tired of being so small and I figure thats a good way to buff up a little bit. Anyways, I dont really have the best equipment in the world for back excercises (in my humble opinion), so I was wondering if anybody could give me some suggestions on how I can work my back out with a bench, and a bunch of dumbells. Thanks a bunch,

Graham

 

[hawk05]

1) To get your 6-pack to show, you need to decrease your BF%. It looks more "pushed out" because you are building the muscle, but fat is hiding it. I am experiencing the same thing you are explaining, and have upped my cardio and began to decrease calories. You won't be able to decrease the body fat in your stomach area simply by doing ab exercises, you have to build the muscle while cutting your body fat.

2) Deadlifts and bent-over rows.

 

[J.Graham-H]

Thanks very much for the tip, but I dont know how I can decrease my body fat. I'm 5'10 and I only weigh 135(I actually think I'v lost a little bit of weight since I started working out). That would be my first response as well and I agree with you in most cases. After hearing my dimensions do you still think that? I meen I'll try it, its worth a shot, but I just dont see how its possible. I pinch my skin to try and grab fat and its impossible. I'll see if i can post a pic this weekend of myself so you can see, I'm sure that would help you guys. If you or anybody else has any more idea's I'll be glad to hear them. Thanks very much hawk,

Graham

 

[cman]

Thanks very much for the tip, but I dont know how I can decrease my body fat. I'm 5'10 and I only weigh 135(I actually think I'v lost a little bit of weight since I started working out). That would be my first response as well and I agree with you in most cases. After hearing my dimensions do you still think that? I meen I'll try it, its worth a shot, but I just dont see how its possible. I pinch my skin to try and grab fat and its impossible. I'll see if i can post a pic this weekend of myself so you can see, I'm sure that would help you guys. If you or anybody else has any more idea's I'll be glad to hear them. Thanks very much hawk,

Graham

You probably just carry more fat there than anywhere else. I read a article on here that explained why that is. By some vegitarian guy on here or something. I can't find the article, if anyone knows what im talking about if you could post it I will print it this time. We could both bennefit from it. Has something to do with complex carbs after a work out. Plus stress puts fat there. You will have to decrease cals and do cardio though as stated above. the only way, plus this article will help. Hopefully someone will find it and put a link. I was 5"10 and weighed 100 lb's and had fat on my stomache when I was 19. you could see all my ribs but had a little fat on the belly.