ABS how many times a week?

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  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member
    <-- These abs were obtained by directly training them zero times per week.

    I do heavy compound lifts, 3 times per week, with 1-2 stability exercises (never crunches but maybe something like hanging leg lifts). I also occasionally practice yoga which is a great core workout.

    In reality, a nice set of abs is made in the kitchen.
  • FrauMama
    FrauMama Posts: 169 Member
    I agree that specific ab work is not usually necessary IF you are doing other compound movements that utilize core and decent general weightlifting and/or plyometrics.

    I add some ab exercises (Russian twists with 20#, v-ups, etc) into supersets sometimes, mostly as a break--like in between a set of burpees and heavy deadlifts, for example--but it is all of the OTHER work (and *diet*) that are responsible for definition in that area.
  • eAddict
    eAddict Posts: 212 Member
    ... I'd venture to say the biggest thing you'll get from 500 crunches a day is bored.

    This
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    I work my abs 3 times a week after a run... not because I am convinced that it will make my abs poke through but because it feels good.

    Doing 500 crunches a day with or without a crappy "diet" won't do you any good. I'd stick to working abs in other ways and only a reasonable frequency per week.
  • Phaedra2014
    Phaedra2014 Posts: 1,254 Member
    Sit ups are one of the worst exercises you can do just generally speaking.
  • bradXdale
    bradXdale Posts: 399
    Try doing compound lifts and exercises that not only target your core but your entire body.

    Squats, deadlifts, planks, pushups, burpees, wall sits. Pilates and Yoga will also destroy your mid-section, in a good way.
  • ElliottTN
    ElliottTN Posts: 1,614 Member
    I can't remember the last time I did crunches. Maybe in high school? I don't have the best definition and my lower is lacking but if i get to a lower bf% than I plan on doing something like hanging knee raises or at the very least something weighted. If you can do 500 of anything then I just don't see that as a path to making any visible changes.

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