Ab training question.

[bscastro]

Greetings,

Currently I train my abs on days that I lift (2 days a week). I mainly do crunches or sit-ups with and without weights.

My questions is: How often can/do you train abs? I feel the abs get a little workout every time I erg, so I don't feel the need to do them every day, but is it advisable to do them every day?

My main purpose is for core stability for life and rowing but admittedly I wouldn't mind having good looking abs too.

Thanks,
Bryan

[Carl Henrik]

The appearance of the abs is for most people to the larger extent genetically determined. Aiming for performance is a sound choice.

I don't do any specific ab work but still get the abs to perform in various ab demanding complex movements: Running fast, rowing fast, various pull up movements some including leg and hip raises, various push ups some including hip raises, varying types of squats, assymetrically loaded lunges, and so on.

During different occasions when starting with many of the above exercises they have given me sore abs the day after.

Rather substantial testing have shown I have enough core stability (and general stability) to avoid injuries when attempting new sports.

Doing pure core work might be good once in a while though.

All IMHO

[Bob S.]

I also am focusing on my abs currently and though my progress is not bad I would like to get some more details about the ideal diet plan that should be followed during this period. I feel that there are many things one should restrict while in such training and as a result of the same I am always skeptic about my diet. So please let me know about the ideal diet that should be followed.

I strongly believe that it is a big mistake to think in terms of the two words that I have highlighted above. The use of the word diet itself is a flawed concept, since it is often regarded as a temporary measure for some specific purpose. A well-planned schedule of nutrition should be permanent lifestyle habit and not just an ad hoc procedure for a short period.

Bob S.

[Storm Petrel]

The use of the word diet itself is a flawed concept, since it is often regarded as a temporary measure for some specific purpose. A well-planned schedule of nutrition should be permanent lifestyle habit and not just an ad hoc procedure for a short period.

[corpsrower]

I spent last week and beginning of this week working off the beer fat that I had accumulated over the summer (spent a month in germany). I ran 3.5 miles and every 3/4 or so I would stop and start doing abs, i.e. crunches, bicycle, incline crunches, and some pushups just because. My 6pack is starting to show it's face again.

[DiMono]

To answer the initial question, since your body uses your abs and calfs for stabilization throughout the day, you can actually safely work them every single day if they're not sore. As long as your abs don't need a break for recovery, you certainly can do them every day.

[dszil]

but is it advisable to do them every day

While I agree with DiMono that you certainly CAN do them everyday...research has shown that your abs are like all other muscle groups and should be trained the exact same way. Just as you can...for example...bench or squat every day if you wanted to work your chest/legs...you will get MAXIMUM GAINS from doing so far less frequently...but with high intensity when you do. Your abs are no different. You certainly can achieve gains by working them day in and day out if you'd like...but targeting them intensly one or two days a week with true recovery in between will lead to MORE gains.

Just a noob to the forum chiming in with his thoughts...feel free to do as you wish with them