34 replies to this topic

[TheFountain]

Actually now that I recall, I did try long term concentrated ab overload a couple of years ago. It had the opposite effect on muscle development as I expected. My theory is that working the abs every day ate away at the muscle due to the lack of recovery time. I developed what I can only define as belly pits below my rib cage, which were indicative of emaciated mass. I guess guys who work out every single day are the 5000 calories a day types. I am neither inclined nor can I afford to eat like a overgrown cow.

[mikeinnaples]

Actually now that I recall, I did try long term concentrated ab overload a couple of years ago. It had the opposite effect on muscle development as I expected. My theory is that working the abs every day ate away at the muscle due to the lack of recovery time. I developed what I can only define as belly pits below my rib cage, which were indicative of emaciated mass. I guess guys who work out every single day are the 5000 calories a day types. I am neither inclined nor can I afford to eat like a overgrown cow.

Abdominal muscles are extremely hard to overtrain. You can work your abs every day (and do anyways to varying degrees). I wouldn't recommend the approach because you would get very little gain for your effort after a certain point, but I can't see you working out your abs so hard so often that it actually causes muscle atrophy. To be honest, sounds like you had skinny-fat abdominals or you are structured for something other than a classic 6 pack / or weren't doing the proper exercises to strengethen underdeveloped portions of the muscles.

[TheFountain]

Actually now that I recall, I did try long term concentrated ab overload a couple of years ago. It had the opposite effect on muscle development as I expected. My theory is that working the abs every day ate away at the muscle due to the lack of recovery time. I developed what I can only define as belly pits below my rib cage, which were indicative of emaciated mass. I guess guys who work out every single day are the 5000 calories a day types. I am neither inclined nor can I afford to eat like a overgrown cow.

Abdominal muscles are extremely hard to overtrain. You can work your abs every day (and do anyways to varying degrees). I wouldn't recommend the approach because you would get very little gain for your effort after a certain point, but I can't see you working out your abs so hard so often that it actually causes muscle atrophy. To be honest, sounds like you had skinny-fat abdominals or you are structured for something other than a classic 6 pack / or weren't doing the proper exercises to strengethen underdeveloped portions of the muscles.

But my ab muscles look more defined now that I am focusing less on them and more on whole body training. I am guessing resistance is being shifted to the abs as a result of my whole body work outs during certain exercises.

[dlima]

But my ab muscles look more defined now that I am focusing less on them and more on whole body training. I am guessing resistance is being shifted to the abs as a result of my whole body work outs during certain exercises.

Squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses are all *very* solid core workouts... much better way to work the abs / erectors than crunches / hyperextensions. (though if you do want to supplement the core, planks (incl side planks) are good, as are roll-outs)

[rollo]

But my ab muscles look more defined now that I am focusing less on them and more on whole body training. I am guessing resistance is being shifted to the abs as a result of my whole body work outs during certain exercises.

You've said quite a few nonsensical/contradictory things so far...

Regardless, the reason you don't have a 6 pack is that YOU DON'T TRAIN HARD ENOUGH and/or you don't now how to eat to make that happen and/or that you have miserable genetics. Have your pick.

In the words of Ronnie Coleman "Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder but nobody wants to lift no heavy ass weights!"

Enough sound advice has been given in this thread. Have your pick.