Quote:
Originally Posted by OilersBaby
Ok I know there are several threads related to getting fit and eating healthy, but I had a question specifically about my abs. How do I get them to show up!
I'm 5'8", 120 lbs..so definitely not trying to lose weight. I got a brand new gym membership and eat super healthy. My husband and I are on this "diet" where we eat healthy (no sodas, junk food etc) 6 days of the week and the 7th day we can eat whatever the &^#$&(*$ we want. I work out 5 days a week (just got a brand new gym membership to a club I like).
My workout routine consists of 60 mins of cardio (water aerobics, spinning or just elliptical) 3 days a week and strength training (weights and machines) 2 days a week. I also take yoga every now and then in addition to the above.
I just want nice abs. Advice? I'm sure it's different for me than you (since the majority of you are male). So advice from girls would be greatly appreciated.
In case it matters, I consume anywhere from 1300-1700 calories a day on a diet that is about 50-50 in terms of carbs and protein. But never simple carbs unless its my 1 day to binge 
Sorry to blab but I need your help. I want a Jillian Michaels type stomach and it's not working.
ps Im not strong enough to do like 300 crunches a day so please dont suggest that. |
Couple of suggestions:
1. switch to 2days/week cardio and 3days/week weight lifting routine. Ditch elliptical, spinning or a stepper are better for fat burning.
2. work out - focus on compound exercies (where you train several muscles in one exercise), forget stuff like biceps curls etc. do not forget to train your back and legs, these are the biggest muscle, absolutely crucial if you want to burn fat. Try to use free weights only, machines are for definition and isolated exercises, ie fairly useless for you.
3. use abs exercises as supplemental exercies only, do NOT focus on them. the best advice on abs i have ever read was - forget crunches! front squats (barbell placed on your upper chest just bellow the chin) will do you a lot more good than mindlessly crunching away. another great compound exercies is where you start with a barbell like you would with a deadlift, but you pull the barbell all the way up to your chin. focus on stuff like this.
once you get lean, use crunches for definition. i dont do crunches more than 2x a month and my abs are just fine. 1 day/week for abs and 1 day/week for obliques (sp) is plenty.
4. forget the 100 crunches a day stuff. muscles need resistance. imagine you did 100 bicep curls while holding an apple, would that be any good? i dont think so. what you want to do is place weight (a book if you train at home) on your chest when you do crunches for added resistance. if you can manage more than 20 in one set, grab a bigger book.
5. eat more. your intake seems low even for a woman. grab a protein shake and drink it after every workout. if you work out you need to eat more protein than you currently eat.