Stomach Muscles

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 14:00

Hey Guys,

I have abit of a starange problem when it comes to by abs or lower stomach muscles.

Its hard to explain so I have taken some photos. (Please excuse the paper it was the only was I could think of, to actually show the problem well).

Photo 1

This is not tensed at all and just my normal flat stomach etc.

Photo 2

Now this is tense my 4 top abs show no problem, however below either side I get 2 large muscles that bulge out, now this is hard and I cant pinch any fat on these at all.

Photo 3

This is just me trying to get a good photo showing the problem with a mirror but you cant see it that well.
Anyone know what these muscles are, and how I can stop them bowing it so much?

Thanks a lot.

icecold · 24 May 2011 at 14:15

Judging from how skinny you are, that could just be your organs!

If I was you I'd try to add some more muscle and see if that was the problem.

It's also possible that you have an imbalanced core, I'm guessing you've done a lot of crunches etc.? If so, stop.

If someone doesn't recommend the exercises I'm thinking of then I'll pop back in, but I have to dash out.

Also, squat!

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 14:21

Well I dont actually do any crunches at all :S, cant remember the last time I did any AB work lol directly anyway.

Morba · 24 May 2011 at 14:22

Get doing some proper core exercises, not just crunches etc.

Buffman · 24 May 2011 at 14:28

Looks like you have really thick obliques dominating your physique, personally I'd say you should bulk up your back/chest/shoulders to give you a V taper and more in proportion.

*Train legs too, they're key to gaining mass

icecold · 24 May 2011 at 14:35

Turns out I have a minute, so here you go in brief:

cat vomit:
http://gizmodo.com/5709916/4+hour-body-+-six-minute-abs
There are videos on youtube but they either don't suck their belly in enough or don't hold it long enough. This is not about contracting your abs in the way you're used to, you're trying to pull your belly button into your spine and hold it for time.

Plank/prone bridge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN1pzUm_zLI
If you can do more than 20 seconds without being in burning agony you aren't doing it right

squeeze you glutes (bum) and abs as hard as you can throughout the entire time your doing it.
Try 10 seconds with both feet down, 10 seconds with one leg raised, 10 seconds alternate leg raised, 10 seconds both feet down. Rest and repeat a few times. Not as easy as it sounds.

Anti rotation stuff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gPMaIWtEfQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmcH0UsXRVw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsly2DUPCZY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7gACSxA9oM

ALL VERY IMPORTANT!

edit: yeah, like Craig says, getting bigger will help

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 17:05

Thanks for that Icecold, ill look into doing those. It is weird as I have never trained my stomach at all :S.

Doesnt really bother me just weird why it has happened lol

icecold · 24 May 2011 at 17:15

No worries, definitely look into getting bigger in general though, because if it is just your natural structure it will make it appear more balanced.

Out of interest, what's your diet like?

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 17:19

Well it never used to be this way until I started swimming at Xmas..... so I guess thats it.

My diet is well eat anything and everything lol

love my food hence why I do so much exercise to allow it. However I have gained a good stone since Xmas by just eating literally everything! in sight but the amount of exercise I do makes that harder.

icecold · 24 May 2011 at 17:21

Can me give me an example of a typical day?

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 17:24

Ok well im not trying to put on muscle or lose weight currently so yesterday for example:

Morning - 2 Hot Cross Buns and scrambled eggs
Lunch - Huge Cookie and a Chicken Bap
Snack - Ice Cream Pot with Syrup
Dinner - 400mm x 250mm toad in the hole with 7 sausages
Dessert - Bread Pudding and custard

Not good I know but I enjoy it and healthy currently

Morba · 24 May 2011 at 17:26

Matutu said:
Ok well im not trying to put on muscle or lose weight currently so yesterday for example:

Morning - 2 Hot Cross Buns and scrambled eggs
Lunch - Huge Cookie and a Chicken Bap
Snack - Ice Cream Pot with Syrup
Dinner - 400mm x 250mm toad in the hole with 7 sausages
Dessert - Bread Pudding and custard

Not good I know but I enjoy it and healthy currently

Love it

Compound · 24 May 2011 at 17:27

7 sausages! Jeepers

icecold · 24 May 2011 at 17:40

Good man

It is possible that you're loading those muscles unusually when swimming, all the more reason to pack some more mass on in general

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 17:43

Well I do 75mins of Crawl (freestyle) 5/6 days a week

icecold · 24 May 2011 at 18:11

Since christmas? I'd kind of expect you to be bigger overall tbh...maybe eat more protein?

I'm trying to avoid suggesting you go down to a gym because I know it's not everyone's cut of tea, but that is honestly the best way (maybe I should have tried harder?

).

Matutu · 24 May 2011 at 20:26

Oh also suppose I should have said, if anyone was wondering what the funky scar is, it is from a Tummy Tuck i had in October last year.

Thought people might think I was cut in half or something lol

robj20 · 24 May 2011 at 20:48

I thought you had had your belt on too tight.

Morba · 24 May 2011 at 22:09

Matutu said:
Oh also suppose I should have said, if anyone was wondering what the funky scar is, it is from a Tummy Tuck i had in October last year.

Thought people might think I was cut in half or something lol

How come you had a tummy tuck?!

Buffman · 24 May 2011 at 22:18

You're 24 according to your profile :| I thought by the photo you were 15 and it was just from a tight waistband lol.

Why did you have a tummy tuck? =/