Abs question

[boisblanc]

Hello, new to the site, my name is Brandon and have a question or two. I have always worked out here and there, to strength train, gain a little weight, and try to get a little bigger in areas. I did do a lot of searching on Abs, still need to ask a couple things. I can't see my Abs, but i dont really have a belly. I always in the past just did pull sit-ups which I read are not the best to do. I also found out that doing crunches with some weight is a pretty good idea along with a decent diet should help things along. My question is when doing the crunches with some weight should I do like 3 set with the max of 12-15 reps and maybe work out 2 - 3 times a week? i wouldnt mind getting a ripped stomach, but most of all just being able to see a 6 pack without having to flex hard. Thanks for you help!

[Rats!]

"Abs are made in the kitchen" - Everyone on these forums.

[fitricise]

thats my favorite quote but you still need to work them.

"My question is when doing the crunches with some weight should I do like 3 set with the max of 12-15 reps and maybe work out 2 - 3 times a week?"

that sounds good, there are some other exercises you can find by searching the forums, id find them but im off to run!

[tim_mcf]

Try this:

http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/329/

[tweeter]

i of course second rats saying

work out abs like you would any other muscle, if ur doing weighted they should only be done once a week. 4-5sets should be plenty of 8-12rep range

[boisblanc]

I have another question on Obliques. I see the bicycle is a good exercise to do, how often should I do it and when I do how long? Should I do a certain amount of reps or just until i cant do anymore?

[.V.]

I don't do direct oblique work because they grow rather easily. Working the obliques will make them bigger, possibly giving you a "blocky" look, instead of a "V" shaped tapered torso.

However, if your main goal is strength instead of asthetics, work them just like everything else - heavy - like with weighted side bends. This will make them bigger and stronger, giving you a more solid core allowing you to get your other lifts bigger and stronger too.

How you work out should be determined by your goals.

[boisblanc]

Well I guess I kinda want both. I dont really care if i have a serious cut V shape, but I do want more strength. I do want my Ab muscles and Obliques to show.

[.V.]

Then for core strength, work them. Side bends, crunches bringing elbow to opposite knee, bicycles, weighted side bends.