Proper Ab Workout

[strawberry2]

So, I know this subject has been talked about already at some point....

However, my trainer and I had a talk today.... And I have to get the facts straight, cuz Lord knows we all have diff experiences and opinions. But I'm trying to get a majority "sway" one way or the other.

I have read in several diff reliable sources that if a woman does too much weight or ab workout (particularly in obliques) that she will become more "thick" and not "curvy" like a woman should look. My trainer said that's not true...that it will get rid of "love handles" and tone your core. Also, another trainer (female) came by and agreed with my trainer...she showed me her abs and they were nice (and she wasnt thick)...she does the "side" ab workout w/ a 25 lb plate.

What are your thoughts? I guess if it comes down to it, I will just split the diff and do a little of both...thats all one can do I guess. LOL

 

[scorpiogirl]

I use to always do side bends with a 35 lb weight (haven't been lately) and I was never "thick or wide". I've heard that too, but training obliques doesn't seem to give me any problems. They look really nice actually. Just my experience....I may start doing those again as a matter of fact!

 

[w84me]

ditto that -- I work abs pretty hard --
My opinion -- if you have killer abs and obliques that you are happy with -- just make sure your shoulders and lats are worked hard and you will maintain the V. Great abs on females just proves that hard work does pay off.

 

[*Bunny*]

So, I know this subject has been talked about already at some point....

However, my trainer and I had a talk today.... And I have to get the facts straight, cuz Lord knows we all have diff experiences and opinions. But I'm trying to get a majority "sway" one way or the other.

I have read in several diff reliable sources that if a woman does too much weight or ab workout (particularly in obliques) that she will become more "thick" and not "curvy" like a woman should look. My trainer said that's not true...that it will get rid of "love handles" and tone your core. Also, another trainer (female) came by and agreed with my trainer...she showed me her abs and they were nice (and she wasnt thick)...she does the "side" ab workout w/ a 25 lb plate.

What are your thoughts? I guess if it comes down to it, I will just split the diff and do a little of both...thats all one can do I guess. LOL

If I train obliques with heavy weights, I personally will lose what little curves I did have and get the 'thick waist' look...

There aren't many women at ANY of the places I have trained that, well, pick up a heavy weight to do much of anything, esp any type of ab work.

IMO, I think your question probably depends on the individual, like everything else in the training world...

 

[c3bodybuilding]

As other's have put, this is not a problem you need to worry about. Working the abs with or without weight will not cause your waist to grow really wide or thick. If that was the case all the women bodybuilders who squat and use their abs to stabilize a few hundred lbs, would have huge waist lines.

Some people say it is possible to over develop the obliques to some extent, but I've never heard of any women having this problem. The only people who are usually concerned about that are paranoid male pro bber's who are worried a few side bends are going to give them a thick waist, but ignore the huge gut gh and slin has given them.

 

[*MissFit*]

It all depends on your build and try a few things out

This is my absif i do ab work.. and all i have to do is 60 leg lifts every 3 to 4 days. not weighted, no side bends.. nothing..

I think you have to do what works for you

note: I don't bother doing any ab work because i don't like my abs looking hard.. like this

 

[nikkita]

It all depends on your build and try a few things out

This is my absif i do ab work.. and all i have to do is 60 leg lifts every 3 to 4 days. not weighted, no side bends.. nothing..

I think you have to do what works for you

note: I don't bother doing any ab work because i don't like my abs looking hard.. like this

you have such great abs!

 

[*MissFit*]

a lot of it is genetics..

i dont like the hard look..

you have such great abs!

 

[Sassy69]

Probably a part of this discussion comes from the idea that you have to do thousands of ab exercises every day to get a six pack when its really all about diet & abs are just another muscle group. As far as "heavy" - I've always heard if you do LOTS of very heavy ab exercises, you will be developing more squareness.