Should I work my abs?

mandapanda721

So I have the body type where I have always had a flat stomach no matter how much weight I gain. I have natural abs...I'm just born with them I guess. Should I still work them out when I go to the gym? They already look toned enough but since I work everything else out I don't want it to be out of balance. I don;t really want a ripped six pack...

_noob_

if you're happy with where you are, don't like where doing more work might take you, then I think you kind of answered your own question. Just keep doing whatever it is you're doing if you're happy where you are.

Showcase_Brodown

When you say you work everything else... what do you mean?

Generally, if you are doing things with free weights (like squats especially) that engage your "core," you shouldn't need to do any direct ab work, and I would venture to say that direct ab work is a complete waste of time.

The only way you are going to have a ripped six pack is if your body fat percentage is getting pretty low.

pastryari

Do you want to improve your core strength?


Strengthening your core =/= a 6 pack.

vtmoon

Always, a strong core is a great thing to have.

silvergurl518

honestly, we're a "pics or it didn't happen" community. if you're gonna brag, then you gotta show what you've got.

dirty_dirty_eater

honestly, we're a "pics or it didn't happen" community. if you're gonna brag, then you gotta show what you've got.

True like gravity.

HeyGoRun

Can we see what you mean!:indifferent:
strong core=good back
your young now but think of the future

rabblerabble

I find abs the most tedious of all my body parts to exercise. Really need to hit them more often.

GnosisGnosis

Do you want to improve your core strength?


Strengthening your core =/= a 6 pack.

Working out your abs =/= a strong core.

If you want a strong core work on advanced bodyweight techniques or improve your squat.

RGv2

Strengthening your core =/= a 6 pack.


Working out your abs =/= a strong core.

If you want a strong core work on advanced bodyweight techniques or improve your squat.

^^This.

You may have "natural abs", but doing a ton of core work isn't going to make them "ripped". That would be spot reducing.

rybo

I'm a fan of working ones core just because I think its extememly impressive to do cool things like flags & other intense movements.

CycleGuy9000

honestly, we're a "pics or it didn't happen" community. if you're gonna brag, then you gotta show what you've got.

Yeah pics or GTFO!

randomtai

honestly, we're a "pics or it didn't happen" community. if you're gonna brag, then you gotta show what you've got.

This is the truest thing I ever read on MFP. :flowerforyou:

ninerbuff

So I have the body type where I have always had a flat stomach no matter how much weight I gain. I have natural abs...I'm just born with them I guess. Should I still work them out when I go to the gym? They already look toned enough but since I work everything else out I don't want it to be out of balance. I don;t really want a ripped six pack...

Any muscle that's not worked isn't "conditioned". People who regularly walk everyday, climb stairs etc., get major DOMS from squats, leg press, etc. if they haven't performed them on a regular basis.
A "ripped" six pack comes from low body fat, not from working out your abs.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

CycleGuy9000

So I have the body type where I have always had a flat stomach no matter how much weight I gain. I have natural abs...I'm just born with them I guess. Should I still work them out when I go to the gym? They already look toned enough but since I work everything else out I don't want it to be out of balance. I don;t really want a ripped six pack...

Any muscle that's not worked isn't "conditioned". People who regularly walk everyday, climb stairs etc., get major DOMS from squats, leg press, etc. if they haven't performed them on a regular basis.
A "ripped" six pack comes from low body fat, not from working out your abs.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

You might be all of those things but you have to do some work to have a "ripped" six pack, yeah lots of skinny people's abs are showing and they might not work them out much but c'mon to have "ripped" abs you have to work them out.

chrisdavey

If you have a flat stomach it actually means you don't have large abs. Everyone obviously has the muscles but if they are flat and not protruding then they are not very large, and that is fine if that is your goal.

They will not be visible until a very low BF%. I would include core strength work as it is vital for other exercises and good to keep balanced. Also, can prevent lower back injuries. If you suddenly start to see some visible abs then all you have to do is eat more

RGv2

So I have the body type where I have always had a flat stomach no matter how much weight I gain. I have natural abs...I'm just born with them I guess. Should I still work them out when I go to the gym? They already look toned enough but since I work everything else out I don't want it to be out of balance. I don;t really want a ripped six pack...

Any muscle that's not worked isn't "conditioned". People who regularly walk everyday, climb stairs etc., get major DOMS from squats, leg press, etc. if they haven't performed them on a regular basis.
A "ripped" six pack comes from low body fat, not from working out your abs.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

You might be all of those things but you have to do some work to have a "ripped" six pack, yeah lots of skinny people's abs are showing and they might not work them out much but c'mon to have "ripped" abs you have to work them out.

Actually, no...no you don't.

Very few with "ripped" abs do an actual isolation ab routine.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

yes, you should definitely work your abs. When you lift, tuck your butt and tuck your gut, bam your abs are worked.

TheEffort

I'd say yes to improve the strength of your abs and core.

ninerbuff

So I have the body type where I have always had a flat stomach no matter how much weight I gain. I have natural abs...I'm just born with them I guess. Should I still work them out when I go to the gym? They already look toned enough but since I work everything else out I don't want it to be out of balance. I don;t really want a ripped six pack...

Any muscle that's not worked isn't "conditioned". People who regularly walk everyday, climb stairs etc., get major DOMS from squats, leg press, etc. if they haven't performed them on a regular basis.
A "ripped" six pack comes from low body fat, not from working out your abs.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

You might be all of those things but you have to do some work to have a "ripped" six pack, yeah lots of skinny people's abs are showing and they might not work them out much but c'mon to have "ripped" abs you have to work them out.

Actually no. EVERYONE has abs. To what muscular/conditioned extent is different. Lowering body fat reveals ANY muscle definition, so if attaining a 6 pack is the desire, one doesn't HAVE to work out abs directly. Most people who do compound lifts regularly, get a decent ab workout.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition