05-30-2004, 05:42 PM
Adding a similar perspective than Pete, six pack abs are more diet than anything. You can bulk those muscles as big as they can get, but as long as there's a decent layer of fat over them (there will always be a bit) six pack abs stay a dream. Working out abs without knocking away the fat can actually make the stomach appear larger, since the fat over the muscles smooths and rounds the stomach.
Fat burning cardio and eating better (or less, depending on current diet) are keys to abs. 'Fat burning cardio' is sort of an ambiguous answer, the two that have always worked the best for me is running and swimming. Swimming is probably one of the best exercises possible. Very low impact on the joints, intense fat burning over the entire body, and great toning of every major muscle group. Find whatever cardio works best. The key is to find one you can stick to, 5 times a week for a half an hour or more.
Finally, sit ups do work out your abs. Just not so well. From what I have read, during a sit up, after the initial 45 degree incline, the Iliopsoas muscle group takes over. This is what is also called the "Hip Flexor." You can see it in action when you sit down, if you bring your leg up (your thigh towards your stomach) and watch your abs, they don't do anything but sit there. The hip flexors that are under your abs lift up your leg. This are very important in general fitness, but definately won't give six pack abs. This is why the idea of the crunch took off.
I personally hate crunches, and have a weak lower back that always hurts after situps/crunches. So instead I do two different types of ab work outs. Hanging Leg Raises (link (I love the pictures) or the kneeling crunch link. But these generally involve having to go to a gym (which in most places prices have gone far down). If trying the hanging leg raise, make sure the legs are brought up and a "crunch" is made, or else the hip flexors will be the only thing being worked out. The abs are like any other muscle in your body, so its possible to weight train them, using more than your upper body weight, which I personally enjoy much more. 30 reps of anything tuckers me out :P
-Munk
Oh, please note the site I linked to is merely a catalog of current exercises that are generally accepted, and won't tell you what is 'best.' As always, doctors or personal trainers are always much better than silly websites!
Fat burning cardio and eating better (or less, depending on current diet) are keys to abs. 'Fat burning cardio' is sort of an ambiguous answer, the two that have always worked the best for me is running and swimming. Swimming is probably one of the best exercises possible. Very low impact on the joints, intense fat burning over the entire body, and great toning of every major muscle group. Find whatever cardio works best. The key is to find one you can stick to, 5 times a week for a half an hour or more.
Finally, sit ups do work out your abs. Just not so well. From what I have read, during a sit up, after the initial 45 degree incline, the Iliopsoas muscle group takes over. This is what is also called the "Hip Flexor." You can see it in action when you sit down, if you bring your leg up (your thigh towards your stomach) and watch your abs, they don't do anything but sit there. The hip flexors that are under your abs lift up your leg. This are very important in general fitness, but definately won't give six pack abs. This is why the idea of the crunch took off.
I personally hate crunches, and have a weak lower back that always hurts after situps/crunches. So instead I do two different types of ab work outs. Hanging Leg Raises (link (I love the pictures) or the kneeling crunch link. But these generally involve having to go to a gym (which in most places prices have gone far down). If trying the hanging leg raise, make sure the legs are brought up and a "crunch" is made, or else the hip flexors will be the only thing being worked out. The abs are like any other muscle in your body, so its possible to weight train them, using more than your upper body weight, which I personally enjoy much more. 30 reps of anything tuckers me out :P
-Munk
Oh, please note the site I linked to is merely a catalog of current exercises that are generally accepted, and won't tell you what is 'best.' As always, doctors or personal trainers are always much better than silly websites!