Weighted vs. Non weighted?

[Taleigh21]

To get the best results for abs, do you think it is better to do weighted ab movements versus non weighted?

Can someone tell me why you think one is better than the other?

[Stonecold54]

Originally posted by Taleigh21
To get the best results for abs, do you think it is better to do weighted ab movements versus non weighted?

Can someone tell me why you think one is better than the other?

pretty simple. The abs are made of muscle. Which implies that they will grow with a certain stimuli. Through years of experience and research, weighted exercises have been shown to increase muscle mass and increase the tonus (not get toned, I am using the orginal meaning of the word) of the muscle. So to increase the size and strength of your ab muscles you need progressive resistance just like any other exercise. Of course then most people say they don't want bigger abs they just want to see them which is purely a diet issue.

[ZHowitzer!]

Originally posted by stonecold54
pretty simple. The abs are made of muscle. Which implies that they will grow with a certain stimuli. Through years of experience and research, weighted exercises have been shown to increase muscle mass and increase the tonus (not get toned, I am using the orginal meaning of the word) of the muscle. So to increase the size and strength of your ab muscles you need progressive resistance just like any other exercise. Of course then most people say they don't want bigger abs they just want to see them which is purely a diet issue.

what is the correct answer to the question alex? (um that means I concur)

[Stonecold54]

Originally posted by ZHowitzer!
what is the correct answer to the question alex? (um that means I concur)

[Taleigh21]

Will weighted crunches the, for example, make my mid section "bigger". I know its all about diet...thats all its about. But is it worth doing them with weights or not? I just want more definition, would weight do the trick? Or just diet?

[MDAM21]

more defenition: diet and higher repetitions. more size and strength: weighted exercise. thats it, badAboom badda bing

[ZHowitzer!]

your question is common. More definition in the midsection...well definition anywhere is all about 2 things actually...adding muscle and reducing bodyfat.

I understand your concerns about increasing your midsection...it is a very valid and all to common problem in men and women.

I usually ask one simple question ... are you training your abs flat or fat?

you already have a great midsection but I can see where you would like to improve as well.

It all has to do about your form and concentration. Many people (no doubt yourself) know how to train their abs "flat". By pulling their umbilicus tward your spine (making your abs actually contract to shorten the length between your ribs and hips). But oddly enough when you add weight into the exercise people start to push their abs out and execute the movement. That alone is the #1 reason that people experience an increase of girth.

Now ... this is a huge example of do as I say and not as I do...when I am lean I look a bit like a turtle in the midsection from years of making my fat ass tumble, and never using a belt to squat/DL.

But please ... bounce this around people like RED and some of the other women in the forum. Increasing the size of the muscle in your midsection is a must to get the kind of "definition" that your looking for. You just dont want to lose sight of staying slim.

Hope this helps...if you need more help with how to get the work done...just ask.

[Stonecold54]

Originally posted by Taleigh21
Will weighted crunches the, for example, make my mid section "bigger". I know its all about diet...thats all its about. But is it worth doing them with weights or not? I just want more definition, would weight do the trick? Or just diet?

yes weighted ab work will make your stomach bigger but I guarantee it is not the "bigger" you are talking about. Adding muscle is getting bigger. muscle does not get added on by the pound, it gets added on in very small increments, ounces. girls are always afraid of getting bigger when they really have nothing to worry about. as it has been stated there are two states of flux with the body that we are worried about, adding muscle and losing bodyfat. It is possible to lose bodyfat and still look like crap if you have nothing underneath it to give you any type of shape.

[Slashmonay]

agreed