Abs workout tips?

redeagle7 NewcomerOP

1 message
joined Nov 2006

#1 · May 8, 2004

Doing a hundred crunches every single day... I mean, is that actually enough to get anywhere, or am I just spinning my wheels? When does anyone actually start seeing some kind of change in the mirror?
Or maybe someone has a bit of advice to offer... how do you guys even approach training your core?

Daniel Lopez Active Member

187 messages
joined Sep 2003

#2 · May 8, 2004

I actually just started two days ago... I'm currently sticking to about 50 a day, nothing too crazy yet. 😁 😁

Everyone has to start somewhere, right? 🙂

briskowl9 Newcomer

5 messages
joined May 2004

#3 · May 8, 2004

I’m actually wondering the exact same thing—honestly, I'm really hoping someone with actual expertise jumps in here to settle this. Because, look, beyond just working on my abs, I want to know if doing something like a hundred squats or other daily exercises actually does anything to shape your glutes? Like, is there real science behind it?

George Bailey2 Member

46 messages
joined Mar 2022

#4 · May 8, 2004

redeagle7 said:Doing 100 crunches every single day. Is that enough? When should I expect to see results?
Or maybe some advice? How do you guys train your abs?

Enough for what, exactly?
I hit them during my workouts three times a week. I start with 3-4 sets on an incline bench using 10-pound dumbbells on my chest, followed by another 2-3 sets specifically targeting the lower abs. I run about 10-20 reps per set.
Doing a single set of 100 crunches is honestly a joke. Without adding weight, without progressive overload, and just relying on high repetitions, you aren't going to see any real progress.

Maria Kelly6 Member

39 messages
joined May 2004

#5 · May 9, 2004

redeagle7 said:Doing 100 crunches every single day. Is that actually enough, and how long does it take to see any real results?
Or maybe someone has some advice? How do you all typically train your core?

You should go ask George Bailey2—he’s basically an expert on this stuff.

James Taylor51 Newcomer

7 messages
joined Jun 2003

#6 · May 9, 2004

If you have a thick layer of body fat covering things up, your abs won't really show no matter how hard you work on them,
so you'll need to focus on toning them underneath first.

Think of aerobic exercise as a way to reveal the hidden masterpiece of an artist
who spent a lot of time sculpting those abs😉

Everyone’s body responds differently, so the amount of training needed for results varies from person to person.
But honestly, the most important thing is just enjoying the process; you'll see much better results if you actually have fun with it.😎

redgardener17 Newcomer

5 messages
joined Jan 2006

#7 · May 9, 2004

It really depends on how you're hitting your abs. Personally, I swear by the decline bench.
If you stay consistent, you'll start seeing stuff happen after a few months.
Just keep in mind—you're gonna tighten those core muscles, but it won't magically melt the fat away.
For the fat loss part, you need some anaerobic work, like running.
Always train abs in sets.
Keep cranking out reps until you feel that burn and tension, then finish it off with some isometric holds.
Later on, if you want that shredded look, you gotta move to weighted abs—like using a 25lb plate or more. Just doing bodyweight reps alone doesn't cut it, at least not for me.
The best way to see progress is to hit them maybe three times a week, making sure you take a rest day between sessions.

Melissa Cruz2 Active Member

85 messages
joined Nov 2007

#8 · May 10, 2004

Yeah, I’m the same way... just cranking through sets until I hit a wall, maybe three or four heavy series at most. Then I’ll throw in some side work and some lower ab stuff too. But honestly, if your stomach is covered by a spec, you won't see a damn thing anyway.

Frank Lee6 Member

42 messages
joined Oct 2005

#9 · May 10, 2004

One hundred crunches?!

Honestly? When I first started hitting the gym seriously, it took me about six or seven months just to figure out how to engage my core properly instead of using my hip flexors. Back then, doing four sets of ten on an incline bench was more than enough to feel that deep muscle burn.

That’s why those "100 crunches" seem more like just jerking your body up and down without any actual engagement. It’s basically useless. You might even risk hurting your spine or giving yourself a mild concussion if you aren't careful. 😉

If you actually want results, stick to an incline bench—flat is fine for beginners just to get moving—and perform them slowly while keeping your muscles under constant tension. Once you've built up some strength, try adding weight, like holding a 10-pound plate against your chest.

Joseph Thomas63 Newcomer

3 messages
joined Jan 2003

#10 · May 10, 2004

Abdominal exercises have always been my absolute nemesis, even back when I was training like a beast. Someone once suggested I switch things up and try those reverse crunches—I think that’s the right term, anyway. You basically lie on your back, kick your legs up to a 90-degree angle, and then lower them back down without letting your feet touch the floor. That move was a total game-changer for me; I could crush those sets all day long. Fast forward to today, and I can do an endless amount of those, but if you ask me to do a standard crunch? Yeah, good luck, because I can barely squeeze out ten before I'm totally spent.
Honestly, who cares? As long as the gut is firm and you're staying in shape, it doesn't matter how you get there.
🙂

goldenowl73 Active Member

206 messages
joined Dec 2005

#11 · May 11, 2004

I honestly can’t seem to get myself moving this spring; that winter layer around my midsection is definitely sticking around for dear old men.

Where on earth am I going to find some motivation???? Last year, I was totally on my game—hitting the basketball courts, riding my bike, even grinding out some sit-ups at home—but this year? I’ve turned into such a total couch potato that I just can't be bothered to do anything, and honestly, even catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror doesn't give me that extra push I need to actually get up and move.

Anthony Miller13 Active Member

61 messages
joined Mar 2004

#12 · May 11, 2004

goldenowl73 said:I just can't seem to find the drive to get moving this spring. That winter insulation around my midsection is staying firmly in place.

Where can one actually find some motivation? Last year, I was out on the basketball court, riding my bike, even hitting the floor for some sit-ups at home. This year, however, I’ve become quite the couch potato. I lack the willpower to start anything, and frankly, even catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror doesn't provide enough of a kick to get me moving.

I second that... I'm in the exact same boat, though the difference is I wasn't even active last year.😁

amberjackal14 Newcomer

3 messages
joined Mar 2005

#13 · May 11, 2004

Frank Lee6 said:upward surge - downward crash,

kind of looks like my abs right now..😳 😁

Casey Palmer5 Regular

470 messages
joined Jan 2016

#14 · May 11, 2004

amberjackal14 said:This is basically what my abs look like right now..😳 😁

In that case, you’re not really getting anything out of them. First off, you’re wrecking your lower back, and second—there's just not enough stimulus. You need to slow things down and really focus on squeezing those core muscles as hard as you can. For upper abs, just lift your shoulder blades off the floor and really crush your midsection...

And those "reverse" moves? They aren't even reverse crunches, they're specifically for the lower abs. Same rule applies: go slow, and stop all that jerky, swinging momentum...

Brian Hayes26 Member

25 messages
joined Feb 2004

#15 · May 11, 2004

So, here’s my go-to move for shredding the abs: you get on your knees and pull a cable down toward you using a rope attachment—basically OVAKO
I usually knock out 20 reps like that, then immediately drop to the floor for another 20 bodyweight reps just to finish them off. By the end, I can actually feel that deep burn in my core—it's intense, but man, the results are seriously impressive 😎
The only downside? You really need a gym setup for this, unless you’re one of those people lucky enough to have a full cable machine sitting in their basement 😁

Melissa Cruz2 Active Member

85 messages
joined Nov 2007

#16 · May 12, 2004

Here’s my routine: I lie on my back, legs up in the air, and lift my torso... maybe 6 to 8 reps per set. Then I switch over to just lifting my hips to hit the lower abs. I just keep going with as many sets as I can, alternating between those upper and lower ab moves.

darkfalcon30 Member

11 messages
joined Apr 2005

#17 · May 15, 2004

Here is my take on the most effective core exercises; anyone claiming otherwise simply hasn't done the work. Developing a truly strong midsection requires a diverse rotation of movements, primarily because no single exercise can effectively engage the entire abdominal wall.

Regarding volume, aim for roughly 6 to 10 sets of 15 controlled repetitions. Ideally, your core work should be integrated seamlessly into your broader weightlifting routine at the gym.

Among the best options, I would highlight:
- standard crunches with arms extended overhead
- hollow body holds or flutter kicks, keeping your feet about four inches off the floor, whether you cross them or keep them steady
- decline sit-ups on an incline bench
- bicycle crunches—hands behind the head, legs tucked, rotating to touch the right elbow to the left knee and vice versa—performed with slow, deliberate control
- V-ups or leg raises where your feet are elevated on a chair or similar object at a 90-degree angle

You can also achieve excellent results using a barbell or a similarly weighted object. Brace your core as you shift the weight from one side to the other, aiming for about 50 repetitions total.

There are plenty of other variations out there, but in my view, this selection covers all the bases.
The golden rule is simple: prioritize higher set counts over high repetitions per set, and never sacrifice form for momentum. Bad reps are useless.

Kate Mendoza8 Newcomer

1 message
joined Sep 2004

#18 · Sep 25, 2004

You can't expect results without fueling the body right.

Nancy Ross3 Newcomer

6 messages
joined Nov 2003

#19 · Sep 25, 2004

Frank Lee6 said:100 sit-ups?! Are you kidding me?

It’s funny how that works. When I first started hitting the gym seriously, it took me a good six or seven months just to figure out how to actually train my abs properly—you know, using your core instead of just pulling with your hip flexors. Once I finally nailed the technique, doing just four sets of ten reps on an incline bench was more than enough to get that deep burn and muscle pump.

Exactly.
Dieting takes care of the fat... honestly, that's usually enough. I mean, who actually has the energy to go out and run? *Sigh.*

Rachel Walker56 Member

11 messages
joined Aug 2004

#20 · Sep 28, 2004

I hit the gym three times a week, doing everything you mentioned—sets, reps, cable pulls, even those machines where you hook your feet in to crunch your core. But after grinding away for over eight years, my waistline has definitely widened. I think it’s those oblique exercises; I don't use heavy weights, but still. It doesn't look bad, but if you're actually chasing a tiny waist, watch out with the side bends. And honestly? Diet is everything. Nothing worked for me until I switched to zone dieting; that's the only way the hard work actually shows. I've gotten a bit soft lately, but once I 😉

Abs workout tips?

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