ok, this is me trying to get a shot of my not so developed abs (the pictures from dead forward don't show anything because of the flash )

[picture removed-thanks for the advice!]



I do cardio, and weights, and floor exercises. I have increased my protein and some complex carb intake, and they are slowly showing (somewhat- like when I flex...lol) but what else can I do to help them along????

I'm 5'7", 125 lbs, 42 yrs old. I realize part of seeing abs is loosing the fat, but I really don't have much left, so I am guessing it is time to start building some muscle.

By the way, I am a mom of 2, so I'm not sure just how "rock hard" I can get my abs anymore.

any suggestions?

Lots of weighted ab work

Check the search function, there are dozens of topics on ab workouts.

yeah, I think you need to build some muscle, then shed the fat you gain from a bulk.

well, I guess I'm not very good at using it, because it is directing me to peoples journals, supplement discussions, etc...

got a link?

Guess I should have also said, that I do:

sit ups, crunches and obliques (with an 8 lb medicine ball- 100 of each)
and reverse sit ups w/o the weight- 4 sets of 25

I'm not sure what else can you do, b/c your abs look great!

I mean for anyone, not just a 42 year old who had two kids--you're in great shape!

So, I'm not sure what type of results you want or are look for? Could you elaborate?

To me your abs look toned, flat, and pretty sexy if I may say so myself.

So, just keep doing what you're doing! And be realistic.

The only other suggestions I would make to you is don't do more than 15 reps of any ab exercise. Lower rep ab training is best.

Also do a variety of exercises, that'll keep your ab muscles responsive.

You can learn more here Best Ab Exercise Routines to Get a Six Pack or Flat Abs

Good luck.

http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...abs-31889.html
http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...ded-31598.html
http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...ice-31517.html
http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...out-30605.html
http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...ups-29897.html
http://training.fitness.com/weight-t...abs-30107.html

Whatever you do, make sure to post more pics as you progress

Thanks, much appreciated

I am working on building up my muscles all over, but because I had kids, it is like I can't seem to get my stomach muscles tight again. I've had the "six-pack" before so I am hoping I can get it back again with some muscle building exercises. My stomach is flat but it doesn't have that "firm" feel I'm hoping to achieve. There really isn't much in the way of fat there, so I was guessing that building muscle was my only option.

Thanks for the link, I'll be doing some reading tonight!

cheers
Diane

Thanks for the links! I have them bookmarked and will be doing my reading tonight.

I was getting all sorts of crazy stuff. This format is new to me, so I still haven't figured out the best way to word the search.

Thanks again,
Diane

lo,....yeah....right.......

They say the bicycle ab workout is supposed to be one of the best. It's especially nice if you don't have a lot of equipment to work with. Medicine ball helps though with sit-ups.

Thanks! Everyone has been providing some great resources for me and I found some good exercises I can rotate into my daily "routine".

I do prefer to do exercises without having to use machines, but I do have some things available: the resistance bands, a bow flex, incline trainer/treadmill, dip bar, exercise balls, and a few medicine balls.

MY "gym" is a little small right now, but we plan to finish off another room and expand so we have more space. MY Dh wants a smith machine and a jacuzzi

thanks for the suggestions! Much appreciated!
Cheers
Diane

Do decline situps with weights.

and squat hehe

btw doing 100 situps will not benefit you as much as set of say 12-15. You need to increase the weight on your weighted routine.

yeah, that is what I am hearing. I have altered my routine already this morning and think these changes may make a difference.

cheers
Diane