It depends on what you are trying to achieve. Do you want stength or definition? I am guessing the latter. I heard a trainter say abs should only be worked a couple of times a week. And when working abs, one does not need to do multiple sets. One set in one position and one set in another position is how I do it. Sometimes I will throw in a third position with heavy resistance and low reps.
As for an actual number per set? Again, it depends on the postion you are working the abs. For a basic crunch (I don't like sit ups as they are not very focussed), I do about twenty. The trick to doing a crunch is going very slow and holding at top for a second. When it starts hurting is how you will know you are doing enuf.
Hope this helps
As for an actual number per set? Again, it depends on the postion you are working the abs. For a basic crunch (I don't like sit ups as they are not very focussed), I do about twenty. The trick to doing a crunch is going very slow and holding at top for a second. When it starts hurting is how you will know you are doing enuf.
Hope this helps
you cannot choose where you lose fat! work your abs will not mean you lose fat on your stomach
people think ill do 500 situps and get ripped... abs same as other muscle and hypertrophy the same. give them some good resistance and they will increase in size. put a weight on your chest and do some crunches. 3 sets of 12 will suffice
people think ill do 500 situps and get ripped... abs same as other muscle and hypertrophy the same. give them some good resistance and they will increase in size. put a weight on your chest and do some crunches. 3 sets of 12 will suffice
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don't do sit-ups...do crunches. and make sure you use slow, proper form with those crunches.
if you're using proper form and contracting tight enough, you'll be barely be able to do 25-30 (a newbie probably won't be able to do that even)...
but THAT IS FINE...you don't need to do anymore than, say, 25...as long as you're using proper form. by 20, your abs will be burning.
a trick that i learned and has worked really well for me is to do abs BEFORE the rest of your workout....
most people do abs afterwards and by then they're so tired they cheat and use bad form and don't work them efficiently.
try working abs FIRST and then work out with weights/cardio...you'll notice a HUGE difference in less than a month!
but more importantly than working abs, is proper diet and cardio. cut out carbs late in the day (and alcohol, of course) and do cardio at least 3-4 times per week or else you can do all the ab work in the world and you won't see results.
if you're using proper form and contracting tight enough, you'll be barely be able to do 25-30 (a newbie probably won't be able to do that even)...
but THAT IS FINE...you don't need to do anymore than, say, 25...as long as you're using proper form. by 20, your abs will be burning.
a trick that i learned and has worked really well for me is to do abs BEFORE the rest of your workout....
most people do abs afterwards and by then they're so tired they cheat and use bad form and don't work them efficiently.
try working abs FIRST and then work out with weights/cardio...you'll notice a HUGE difference in less than a month!
but more importantly than working abs, is proper diet and cardio. cut out carbs late in the day (and alcohol, of course) and do cardio at least 3-4 times per week or else you can do all the ab work in the world and you won't see results.
NO! DONT EVER DO ABS BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT!
Abdominal muscles are an important part in stabilising your body and maintaining proper posture whilst performing just about every exercise. If your abdominal muscles are seriously fatigued you risk a lot, you risk your form and you risk injuring yourself.
Just as important is it to work out your core muscles in any weight training regime, it is important that they are there to be used!
Abdominal muscles are an important part in stabilising your body and maintaining proper posture whilst performing just about every exercise. If your abdominal muscles are seriously fatigued you risk a lot, you risk your form and you risk injuring yourself.
Just as important is it to work out your core muscles in any weight training regime, it is important that they are there to be used!
you can never do enough sit ups. do them until you cant do anymore ...then do some more. you can do situps everday. no need to take a day off unless youre just starting and you get really sore, i do sit ups and push ups everyday, dont even have to go to the gym very often cuz thats all you need, throw in some pull ups and run and youre good to go!!!!!!!!
cant do abs first as thats the dominant muscle group to get you through other parts of your workout - the stablisers
as for how many that depends on how often you do them and your body shape
personally try to do 150-200 a day - but i have been doing situps since i was 16 so i dont find it hard nor boring
as for how many that depends on how often you do them and your body shape
personally try to do 150-200 a day - but i have been doing situps since i was 16 so i dont find it hard nor boring
Bourn said:you can never do enough sit ups. do them until you cant do anymore ...then do some more. you can do situps everday. no need to take a day off unless youre just starting and you get really sore, i do sit ups and push ups everyday, dont even have to go to the gym very often cuz thats all you need, throw in some pull ups and run and youre good to go!!!!!!!!
The Ricky Henderson workout
