are abs exercises really needed? and any suggestions

tikal26
tikal26 Posts: 10
in Fitness and Exercise
I am a crossfiter noticing what seems to bhe a trend at both crossfit gyms I go to. People seem to have a hard time toning their lower abs. Both coaches seemed to think that no Abdominal targeting exercise are needed- they claim my core gets enough of a workout doing lifts, pull ups, etc. The problem is that I am myself having a hard time with my lower abs. Any good ideas on Lowe abs exercises that won't hurt my back.

Replies

  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    I never really bother with them. They definitely seem to get enough work from my heavy deadlifts and squats. As for 'toning the lower abs', you'll notice that abdominal fat loss is generally a top down affair. The lower your bodyfat goes, the more of the abs will become visible, starting with the top two striations on down.
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I find that planks and exercises done from that position hit my core hard. You still have to lose the fat, and has been noticed, lower an fat is often the last to go, it is for me. And, you have to be at a pretty low body fat for abs to show, particularly if you're a female. I do love Pilates inspired core workouts, and I've fond some on YouTube through the BeFit channel that really leave me sore, but there's alots of crunches there, along with planks and leg lifts and things. I do think the big lifts can be enough to strengthen the core, if core focused workouts (I do 10 minutes twice a week or so) workouts are something you're open tested in, go for it.
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    I never really bother with them. They definitely seem to get enough work from my heavy deadlifts and squats. As for 'toning the lower abs', you'll notice that abdominal fat loss is generally a top down affair. The lower your bodyfat goes, the more of the abs will become visible, starting with the top two striations on down.

    Exactly.

    I may follow up with some ab wheel roll outs or something like that at the end of my workout but I don't fuss wit them too much.
  • martinh78
    martinh78 Posts: 601
    Both coaches seemed to think that no Abdominal targeting exercise are needed- they claim my core gets enough of a workout doing lifts, pull ups, etc.

    And do they have great abs?
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    I never really bother with them. They definitely seem to get enough work from my heavy deadlifts and squats. As for 'toning the lower abs', you'll notice that abdominal fat loss is generally a top down affair. The lower your bodyfat goes, the more of the abs will become visible, starting with the top two striations on down.
    This! I haven't done "abs" in over 3 years.
  • tikal26
    tikal26 Posts: 10
    They one coach has a small bulge in his lower abs. The other coach is just fit, but he credits husband tongue strongman training, which I find weird since most 'strongman' on tv seemed not so great shape.
  • tikal26
    tikal26 Posts: 10
    What is your usual exercise routine like? Maybe crossfit is enough. Trying to see what others do .what type of exercises ?
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    They one coach has a small bulge in his lower abs. The other coach is just fit, but he credits husband tongue strongman training, which I find weird since most 'strongman' on tv seemed not so great shape.
    You do know that is due to their diet right?
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    They one coach has a small bulge in his lower abs. The other coach is just fit, but he credits husband tongue strongman training, which I find weird since most 'strongman' on tv seemed not so great shape.
    You do know that is due to their diet right?

    This. That old adage "abs are made in the kitchen" is still very true, no matter what kind of fitness routine you are on.
  • tikal26
    tikal26 Posts: 10
    No, I mean I imagined it had something to do with it ,but I am not well informed on the strongman world. To be sincere there is so much conflicting information concerning diets and exercise out there that is easy to get lost.
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    No, I mean I imagined it had something to do with it ,but I am not well informed on the strongman world. To be sincere there is so much conflicting information concerning diets and exercise out there that is easy to get lost.

    The man has a point.
  • delonda1
    delonda1 Posts: 525 Member
    Hardly ever do abs....its a when i feel like thing.

    However I do pilates 1x a week which targets core strength..

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