Abs workouts?

Alright, I’m looking for some advice from the veterans here. If anyone has more experience with this, could you let me know how I can really strengthen my core to bump up my crunch count? I've started running regularly, but my abdominal strength just isn't where I want it to be yet. I can't seem to hit high numbers. If anyone has any specific tips or a training routine to help me build that strength, I’d truly appreciate the help. 🙂

Well, you have to do more sit-ups just to be capable of doing more sit-ups. It’s basically a recursive loop. 😁

Taylor Doyle7 said:Alright, looking for some experienced folks here. Any tips on how to strengthen my core so I can crank out more crunches? I’ve started running regularly, but my abs just aren't there yet. If anyone has advice or a routine to follow, I'd appreciate it. 🙂

What's your current max? You really need to work on your back muscles too. Do that and you'll automatically see an improvement in your crunch count since it stabilizes your entire lower torso...

Look, stop killing yourself doing the same basic crunches over and over again; you need to actually vary your routine if you want results... for instance, you should be targeting the upper abs, the lower abs, and the obliques separately... just do a quick search online, there are plenty of solid workouts out there with video demonstrations so you can see exactly how to do them right.

Try holding a plank for as long as possible every day after your run. Since you're supporting your entire body weight on your hands and feet, it builds serious strength in both your core and your back...

There’s actually some stuff about getting those abs in shape right here... 👍

lonecobra58 said:There’s definitely something to be said about those absover👍here

Honestly, you just gotta hit the pavement for 30 minutes every single day. I started doing that, and even though I've got nothing but a beer belly right now, I can already see my abs popping more after just a month! I'm feeling pretty pumped about it—next step is getting those defined six-pack tiles looking sharp.

I don't get the obsession with running. Didn't you all say that running WON'T melt away fat? And that body fat is lost uniformly across the entire body rather than just in one specific spot? Why the sudden push for cardio? :zbunj

Ronald Kelly3 said:I don't quite follow the logic behind all this running obsession. If the consensus was that running won't actually burn through fat stores, then why the hell is everyone suddenly sprinting around?

I certainly can.

Ronald Kelly3 said:Even if you could somehow manage to burn fat from every single part of your body at once, you still couldn't target specific spots; localized fat loss just isn't how the biology works.

Exactly.

Taylor Doyle7 said:Alright—is there anyone here with more experience who could give me some pointers? I'm looking to strengthen my core so I can crank out more sit-ups. I've started running regularly, but my abdominal strength just isn't there yet. If anyone has tips or a solid routine to help me build that strength, I’d really appreciate it. 🙂

And why does it even matter if you can do a ton of sit-ups in a row??🙂

Ronald Kelly3 said:I don't get why running is the answer. Didn't you guys say running DOESN'T burn fat?! And that fat loss happens everywhere at once, so you can't just target specific spots... :confused

Look, fat loss comes from aerobic training, and running is basically the gold standard for that. How are you gonna "spot reduce" by doing endless sit-ups? Just work out. Seriously, spend the first week setting a baseline—something manageable, obviously. Then, every single week, ramp up the intensity. And don't just focus on your core; you gotta hit your back too. Like, start with maybe 3 or 4 sets of 20 reps of sit-ups, back extensions, and push-ups, then just keep adding more sets as you go...

There is simply no substitute for hard work; it’s an old adage, but it holds true, isn't it? While the initial phase is undeniably grueling, I have found through years of trial and error that sheer persistence and disciplined effort eventually make the process feel much more manageable... you just have to grit your teeth and commit to the task at hand. When you begin, I would suggest attempting even half-reps—don't bother straining for full range of motion right away, nor should you attempt to go excessively high. Instead, try to hold that tension in the mid-position, where your abdominal muscles, and honestly, even your lower jaw, will remain constantly engaged. If you maintain that specific isometric tension throughout the set, I promise you will truly feel the burn in your core. Once you find your rhythm and realize the movement has become too easy, or if you feel like you aren't actually hitting the target muscle groups, you can always progress by adding some weight plates to your chest...👍

Gary Johnson31 said:You can only burn fat through aerobic workouts,

Actually, you can lose fat just by eating right without even stepping foot in a gym. Plus, lifting weights helps too, whether directly or indirectly.

Ethan Garcia8 said:You can absolutely melt away fat just by dialing in your nutrition, even without stepping foot in a gym. Of course, you can also tackle it through direct or indirect means via weight training.

But honestly, the magic happens when you pull all those elements together...👍

Hold on, are you actually trying to show off an eight-pack, or do you just want to strengthen your core?

Because those two things aren't even remotely the same thing... anyone can go to the gym and build muscle strength, but if you actually want those defined abs to pop, you need to put in a hell of a lot more work. You have to prioritize heavy cardio sessions first, and then—obviously—you still need to hit every single part of your midsection... the upper, lower, and obliques.