If you register for free, you will be able to post threads, vote on polls and lots more. If you have problems with the registration or logging in, please contact the administrator.
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #1 (permalink)
Jun. 15/09, 12:45 AM
monx
In Orientation
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics)
I'm not a lady of routine; I don't do crunches religiously. I go to kickboxing once a week and might run a couple times a week. I don't really bodybuild or weight train or anything, but my main concern is this: whenever I do crunches, or the plank, or generally any exercise that works the rectus abdominis the way crunches do, my midsection turns into this hideous mound-like thing. I don't know how else to better explain it except through pictures. I know that I have to work on strengthening all my other muscles (internal/external obliques and transversus abdominis), which will probably help to alleviate this, but I was wondering if anyone else has ever had or seen this before? Which exercises would be best, and should I work on strengthening one set more than the others?
at rest
crunching
crunching again
my view when I crunch
The way my abs bunch up into a tight mound like that is profoundly disturbing!! It just doesn't look normal at all! Please help me fix it...?
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #2 (permalink)
Jun. 15/09, 02:14 AM
NBS 4life
IN IT FOR LIFE
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 5,148
I personally think that that is belly fat rather than the muscle making that shape. Just my two cents.
You look to be in pretty good shape
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #3 (permalink)
Jun. 15/09, 02:19 AM
BigTomW
45h45h5hfghfghnsnfg
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,157
Reduce body fat and they will appear much more flat.
Not looking too bad anway
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #4 (permalink)
Jun. 15/09, 11:46 AM
monx
In Orientation
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Yeah that's what I'm focusing on right now! Cutting down on bad foods, eating more protein-rich foods and being more active so I can burn that junk.. but only about half an inch of that mound is fat, otherwise it's rock-solid underneath... haha well I'll work harder on getting rid of my pooch and see if that helps anything. I hope it does :/ Thanks!
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #5 (permalink)
Jun. 20/09, 06:33 AM
Domestika
Warming Up
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 102
My stomach muscles used to do a very similar thing years ago when I was much more fit. Particular your last picture...that was the exact view I'd see when I'd do crunches.
My wholly uneducated guess is that only one section of your abs is strong? Maybe if you worked other sections of your abdomen the muscles along the middle would be less pronounced?
Just a guess! Maybe something to google, reasearch, etc.
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #6 (permalink)
Jun. 20/09, 11:13 PM
monx
In Orientation
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Domestika
My stomach muscles used to do a very similar thing years ago when I was much more fit. Particular your last picture...that was the exact view I'd see when I'd do crunches.
My wholly uneducated guess is that only one section of your abs is strong? Maybe if you worked other sections of your abdomen the muscles along the middle would be less pronounced?
Just a guess! Maybe something to google, reasearch, etc.
Yeah, that's what I'm guessing is only those muscles are strong and I need to really work the other sections more. I'm finding new exercises to work them, and hoping that sets things straight.. glad to hear that someone else in the world has seen that view before!! I think it's just so unnatural-looking.. it worries me sometimes haha
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #7 (permalink)
Jun. 21/09, 08:53 AM
theGOOCH
International Man of Mystery
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Greater Cincinnati
Posts: 2,507
I agree...that's a little bit of fat, not the muscle..I also agree you look good... In a totally non-creepy-old-man way LOL
Abnormal abdominal muscles? Mine are weird (pics) Post #8 (permalink)
Jun. 21/09, 08:18 PM
May66
Warming Up
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 64
same here
I see the same thing when I look down during crunches. It actually feels very firm during except for some loose skin down low from carrying two 9+ pound babies in there during a lifeltime. I am sure the guys are right about reducing body fat and it will look better. I always think of the movie Alien when the thing popped out of the guys stomach - GROSS!