Weak abs, how do I help?

[JMike]

My workout buddy has always claimed the reason for the lack of any definition around his middle was due to fat, not lack of muscle. I tried to get through that it doesn't work quite like that, but to no avail. Anyway, he's started doing ab work and he's really suffering. Even doing a set of five crunches seems like really hard work.

The problem is that I'm not confident training him at this level. If there was some strength there I'd be fine helping but I'm feeling lost on this, so I came for some help. Should I spend the time focusing on getting technique right, or should he just be cranking out as many as possible? I'd imagine a middleground is the right answer, but I'm unsure as to how to proceed. So what do you think?

Mike

[.V.]

The big compound lifts hit the abs. Squats, Deads, and Rows especially. Direct ab work helps too. True definition does come from diet and cardio though, not muscle size. Even weak abs can look good. But why in the world would someone want weak abs? Strong abs are vital to a strong back and an injury free life.

Good form first, then heavy. In my humble, uneducated on such matters opinion, I'd say 8-10 reps 3-4 sets for direct ab work. Then heavier, low to moderate volume work for the real lifts.

You and he will have to try a few different things and see what his body best responds to. Right now, I'm doing and intermediate version of Starr's 5x5 program and my abdomen and back seem to be the strongest ever, but that's just me. It focuses heavily on squats, deads, bench, and rows with the other stuff being just accessory work.

Keep at it and you guys will find the way for him.

[mike314]

bad form can lead to injuries

the reason why majority of people at the gym who have a regular fitness schedule dont see there abs is due to fat. Most people have large fat deposits in there midsection on top of there muscle. Thus they can have a perfect six pack under their belly. This is often the case with football linemen who can spit out 200 straight situps but dont have a pefect 6 pack

bottom line if you want to show your abs, eat right (high protein, low fat, good carbs) lots of cardio to shed the pounds, and work the abs. Core strenght like welch said deads, squats and situps help the most.

follow that routine for a few weeks and your should see some progress