Hi

[chuck6780]

Hey all,

New to the forum and have a question about Abs..

Has anyone ever used the abdominal crunch machine(inclined with weights)? I usually put it on 28 pounds and do 3 sets of 60 reps starting with my feet on ground, to middle bar, then to top bar(moving up every 20). Then I do 3 sets of 60 in the opposite direction. This really puts the burn in my abs, but do the weights actually help, or should I do regular crunches? Also, I've been told conflicting information regarding how often Abs should be trained. Some tell me I can do them everyday, while others say I can only do them every other day. Any suggestions?

Nice meeting you all,
Chuck

 

[squanto]

people have all sorts of different opinions about how to work the abs. i like to train them with heavy weights, just like any other muscle.

 

[Myztek]

I do abs twice a week. I do situps while holding a weight plate behind my head til failure, followed by crunches with a plate on my chest until failure.

I do this for three sets, twice a week (Mon and Thurs). I started out being able to do 12 sit-ups with 10 lbs behind my head. I got up to 27 reps, now I do 15lbs and can do 15~. So it must be working.

 

[Squaggleboggin]

Theoretically you could train them every day if the intensity was low enough, but high intensity is the only way to go if you want any results IMO. Pretty much anything will help, really. Don't limit yourself to just a few movements. Try hanging from a pull up bar and raising your legs; try laying down on your back and keeping your heels from touching the ground while your legs are straight for a minute without going more than 6" above the ground. Do planks. Do side bends. Try a bunch of different things or throw in a couple each time you work your abs.

 

[chuck6780]

Thanks for the advice Myztek and Squaggle. At the moment, the only thing that doesn't hurt my back is the crunch machine, because it's inclined. I have scoliosis and laying flat on my back while doing any kind of weight lifting has hurt me in the past. It's fixable, and I am strengthing it, so your advice will come in handy, hopefully soon. I am glad to know that weights help!