Thanks for your post!

I think we're coming from two completely different angles.

When you work your core, you're probably using humungous weight plates and doing criminally difficult exercises that only 5 people in the world can do.

When I work my core, I'm not using humungous weight plates. I'm just doing the minimal amount I need to do to keep what I've got So it's not like I'm killing myself. The muscles are already there. I just like to keep them from getting bored. And it feels good.

Maybe I shouldn't be working my core everyday. Maybe I'd have happier abs if I only worked them every 2-3 days.

I certainly don't know it all, and maybe I'm in a rut (ya think?). I'm sure I could stand to learn a lot more, and I might as well try something new. Therefore, I'm going to try what you have suggested. I'll let you know if my abs look any different in a couple of months.

By the way, what are your favorite core exercises?

I dont have a direct core exercise that is my favorite.

I look at direct core exercises as a very small piece in the larger pie. I am rather an intense individual in my home gym that believes that the body is supposed to be trained the way it was designed to function: With each muscle interacting with the other to perform a function, and train in this manner.

The core can perform individual functions such as bending the body, twisting, and side to side movements (etc, etc); however, it performs other important functions such as stablizing and support (etc) in various other bodily movements. Additionally, the diet is the functional support in what one is trying to do within their goal path. Therefore, I can not single out a favorite, because the entire "training and diet equation" (together as one unit) is far greater than one single excercise-->though we work with the individual parts to make the entire pie better.

However, "If I had to single out one lift over another" (when I couldn't do another) and get the "best bang to my entire body" in a short amount of time (and utilizing the core in a more power mode: stabilizing and support), I would choose the Squat (and personal preference given to the Front Squat) or the Dead Lift, and direct core exercises would not even be a consideration.

I know I am going on a bit, but let me give you another reason, I believe the FBW/Diet as a whole is my favorite, and not a single exercise.

There is another crucial exercise piece that plays a critical rol in keeping me lean enough to observe the work being done directly and indirectly on the core, and its Plate Weight Cardio performed in short bursts.

Cardio isnt going to function well in the fat loss (or staying or getting lean department) if the diet isnt built around the premise of losing fat tissue. They work together, and thus another reason, I will say the entire pie is my favorite and not a single piece in the pie.

Additionally, if I couldnt train (because work responsibilites and no fault of my own), then I "keep my diet" that is designed around my goal intention. The diet would be my favorite at this point to provide the glue until I can train again.

Currently I am about 161 pounds, have 16" arms. I train my arms with the same furious intensity as I do the other parts of my body, and believe the arms are the facilitators in moving the larger muscle groups.

I train heavy (and try to add as much plate weight I can--even if its just 2 1/2 pounds to each work out) as I move along in training. However, my goal is to be uniformed, personally balanced, lean, and overall fitness health.

With this in mind, its not my training (necessarily) that is limiting my arm growth. Its my "overall" body weight, because the diet is designed with a different goal in mind and thus limiting weight gain and likewise my arm growth (if the larger muscles of the body do not increase in size, the arms DO NOT follow, IMO).

Thus another reason, I believe the FBW/Diet as a whole is my favorite, and not a single exercise.

Personally, I believe I could obtain 18" arms "in several months of work" (even at my current age), if I would allow a few pounds of reasonable fat tissue, and being more anabolic in the diet sense (and at less than 8% I have room to spare).

I could achieve it (somewhere around 185ish) keeping things equal. I would achieve it, because I know the commitment I would bring to the table in "both in diet and in the gym"....as a whole, and bring along persistence and consistency. Additionally, I have very good genetics coupled with an aging body that is very efficient even at 47 (as of August 25th). It would have to be something I "wanted to do" and it will not be based on some elses opinion on what I should do. Its not that I wouldnt listen to opinions, but I will not "abandon myself" for the sake of another's opinion.


Done rambling.........lol................>

By the way are you going to show any pics....I am really interested in seeing a female with your specs.


Best wishes

Chillen

Thanks for the info, Chillen!

I'm just starting to get back to squats (it's been a long time since I've had a bar on my back -- I had just started squatting last August, albeit for three weeks, after blowing my knee (and rehab there took 9 months), and then I got T-boned by a flat bed towtruck, and then rear ended at about 30mph). I don't have much weight on the bar right now, but it's better than a kick in the butt. The bar felt good sitting on my upper back. I was grinning from ear to ear last night at the gym because I could actually walk the bar out, do my squats and walk back in to rack it. I haven't done that for a year.

As for deadlifts, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do them again as a result of the back injuries I sustained in the two car accidents (SI/lumbar issues with a couple of lumbar disk herniations). I think I should probably stay away from deadlifts for the time being

I'm also not able to do much twisting movement in the core, but it's getting better. If I was on the farm, I wouldn't be chopping any wood. It would be too painful.

So right now I'm at the mercy of my back. And it's a Catch-22: I have to keep my core strong because of my spinal injuries, but I've only been able to do certain core exercises. I've been told what I should and shouldn't do. That's hard to accept sometimes. I'd love to do more right now but I can't.

REHAB SUCKS But it does reveal to you what you're made of

As for the pics, give me a chance to figure out how to use my new camera ... it's a Canon Rebel and the destruction manual reads like a book, and I can't be bothered trying to figure it out. The camera is sitting on the dining room table. It looks really nice
Translation: I need to get a guy to show me how to use it

I agree, muscles need a recovery time.