Crunches

CLAWS · 24 Mar 2006 at 22:43

Guys is it wise to do crunches everyday to see and feel improvement in the midsection?

I do roughly about 1000 crunches everyday and can feel the difference in my stomach and can also feel my abs. But I really want to know if I should continue doing the crunches everyday without fail or will it be detrimental to my progress?

CHeers

CLAWS · 24 Mar 2006 at 23:21

Its just pure crunches. I do a bit of back work, but to be honest not enough to balance it all out.

I only train at home in limited space. My typical routine consist of 3 sets of 10 SLOW chin up.

3 sets of 20 slow press ups

I then jump into doing my abs and alternate between having feet flat on the floor whilst doing my crunches and then having legs up in the air with knees close to chest. I do some twisting crunches but I find my lower back burns out too quick and I end up panting for breath.

Would getting an ab-roller help much?

My routine normally finishes up with 30 slow squats, but not going all the way down and not straightening my legs when I go back up.

CLAWS · 26 Mar 2006 at 11:15

I had a feeling that the 1000 was overkill, but I did it religiously for two weeks and can say hand on heart that it has made a difference because I can feel the pack underneath the solid layer of fat

Like one of you suggested, Ill start doing my crunches with a weight on my chest. I reckon my posture and movement for the crunches is fine because whenever I do them I make sure that I am solely focusing on the stomach only (and bloody hell does it burn).

Any ideas whether or not getting the ab-flex/ab-roller will be worth it?

CLAWS · 28 Mar 2006 at 20:11

Efaws said:
having said that, 1000 crunches you must have abs of steel

Yes. My abs are pretty much solid as rock once you get past the wall of fat

Im not really too fussed about showing off my abs or anything because im not the type to go around taking my shirt off in the gym or anywhere else for that matter.

Eventually Ill be getting back into my martial arts (Muay Thai) where I suppose I could burn off the excess fat. The abs are being trained mainly for correct posture during other exercises.

None the less Ive taken on board what the majority of you have said. Ill quit with the 1000 every night. Ill start doing 3 sets of a few reps every other night with a weight on my chest.

What u reckon?

CLAWS · 28 Mar 2006 at 21:39

Chong Warrior said:
Weighted Crunches 3-4 sets 10-15 reps
Hanging Leg Raises 3-4 sets 10-15 reps
Twisting Crunches or Side Bends 3-4 sets 10-15 reps
Hyperextentions 3-4 sets 10-15 reps

Start off each one with no weight and concentrate on perfect form for first week, then gradually add weight (1-2kg) each workout/ week. You will progress very quickly if you stick with it.

I like the looks of the routine but - hyperextensions? Sorry to sound so noob but are these known by some other name by chance? If not, what are they i.e. how are they done?

CLAWS · 29 Mar 2006 at 10:16

Ah so thats what they are.

Nice one Chong Warrior. Ill integrate them into my routine along with some other back exercises.

In relation to doing deadlifts, should my feet be shoulder width apart? The reason I ask is because when I do them in this position my knee starts to ache and click a little bit :confused: