ShapeFit.com

[bigiz123]

i think ive got effective training programs for about every muscle EXCEPT abs, so any advice?

[FireMyst]

[swanso5]

i haven't trained abs hardly ever but with the program i'm doui g now (westside for skinny bastards) it says to do so and i am...this is what i done on day 3 which has an ab circuit at the end;

Hanging Leg Raises 2 x 12
Standing Russian Twist with Theraband held straight out in front of chest 2 x 10 each way
Pulldown Crunches 2 x 15
Theraband Statics 2 x 10secs

this also a giant set done ona after the other...goes alright i suppose

[Jonny]

Using weights and your own body weight are good methods for training your abs. Like Swanso5 suggests, exercises such as hanging leg raises are particularly good. Also remember to work other areas of your core or midsection such as your obliques. Perhaps more importantly remember to train your back...you don't want to overdevelop your 'six pack' abs to that of your back as it can problems such as posture...Bent over rows are good but be careful regarding your form. Deadlifts are excellent also for advanced trainers

[SarahPT]

Ab routines always seem to be the easiest for me to design. For a really hard routine with exercises that you can't do as many reps on you can do crunches with a plate weight behind your head, crunches on a decline bench, reverse crunches with ankle weights on, etc. You can do a variety of execises using a swiss ball and a medicine ball for something different.

Some of my favorite challenging exercises are:
gorilla crunches (hanging leg raises where you bring your feet all the way up over your head)
Swiss ball pull ins
Leg raises with swiss ball between the feet
Russian twists

Sarah