What the GOOCH said please somebody pick up a barbell and SQUAT

I disagree. In any instance where an individual is stationary any muscle is just a supporting unit and stabilizer. However, in most functional movements (particularly in sport), the core is far more active, and not simply a stabilizer, but in fact both a prime mover and immediate assist muscle in numerous rotation, torsion, contraction, and extension forces for the the torso and lower body.

As to the research, please post links.

you're allowed to disagree.

I'm really not invested enough to do a homework assignment to attempt to convince you. Check google scholar if you like

The ab core's primary function IS NOT to support the back.

One learns this rather quickly when one learns the variety of muscles that make up the ab "core", and the primary purposes, functions, and support of the human body:

Abdominal Training

It also serves to potect vital mid organs when strong and developed properly.

Best wishes,

Chillen

By support the "back" I meant support the whole structure of the torso, working with the back maybe my terminology was wrong

My secret? I love side bends and decline weighted abs! Holy crap what a difference. Have a trainer show you how to do them properly.

I do abs once a week and it takes all of 15-20 minutes tops. It is usually a mix of weighted decline situps, V Ups, Side Bends and Hello Dollies.

As far as the "sit-ups" are dangerous comments go anything can be dangerous if you do it incorrectly.

I admittedly take my "all compounds, no isos" approach to the extreme. It works for me according to my goals.

Some people in some sports need different types of isos. I'm just giving you my $.02 that many of us have decent sized abs from simply doing compound lifts (they do build abs, especially squats and deadlifts).

I'm still working on getting mine a little leaner, but I'm happy with the size and strength of my abs

yeah i have heard of that too! People who don't do any isolated ab routines and yet they have solid defined abs from doing other body parts! That is crazy!

In the execution of other exercises (like the Deadlift, Squat, and MP), the ab core is indirectly used as a support function and assists in stabilizing the bodies core and is absorbing the weight being performed. It isnt suprising that the core gets developed through these and other exercises when one studies the overall function of muscle recruitment during these and other exercises.

Simply walking to your car the core is performing its stabilizing function of the upper body. Injure one of your muscles of your core, and one learns real fast just how much the core works during the course of a normal day, and it isnt just bending, twisting, stooping, sitting, or bending at the knee to pick something up from the ground, it also supports and stabilizes the body to perform other movements we generally take for granted.

I support doing direct ab work along with indirect ab work because of the "overall" nature of activity this sheet of muscle is able to perform.

The ab core is contains different muscle fibers as compared to the other muscles of the body (or a different set arrangement I should say), and is a high endurance sheet of muscle. It will NOT grow "like" the other muscles of the body, and "genetics" play a crucial role in whether one can develop this area to ones satisfaction. Do not misunderstand me, when I say they will mot grow "Like" other muscles of the body: They will grow and improve just like the other muscles, but they do not have the same "capability" as the other muscles do. I thought I needed to clarify that just a bit.


Best regards,


Chillen

Oh ^^^^ I'm screwed then. LOL
The Yeti is not know to have the genetics to obtain great abs.

This is particularly important for those training for sport performance, yet still applicable to general exercisers.

Though I would argue that strengthening the core with isos benefits compound exercises. Because the core is of course the key stabilizer for the vertebral column, I believe that it is worthwhile to develop the musculature beyond it's reaction and adaption to other compound exercises. This develops a higher baseline of strength and support for the core than what compounds may call for, meaning that the muscles are being developed in anticipation of increased intensity during compounds, rather than reactive development to compound exercises.

Favorite core exercises of mine include planks, bridges, V-ups, back extensions, medicine ball sit-ups (with a spotter), and pretty much anything on a stability ball.

I thought the same too, when I started.

I was WRONG.

Being WRONG is COOL sometimes..........

Change your mind SET and SWEAT.

Give your fat tissue the calorie THREAT through an energy DEBT

And, I BET your goal will be MET


You just may be surprised in what your body can develop into....


WAKE UP!


Best wishes,


Chillen

I do crunches everyday, where are my abs?

Without question, the single most important factor in the appearance of your mid-section is the amount of fat and fluid between your abdominal muscles and your skin. You have a 6-pack right now its the natural shape of your muscles. But for most of us the layer of fat over our abs is so thick that you cannot see them.

Trying to burn fat with crunches or sit-ups is like trying to dig to China with a spoon its a complete waste of time. There is no such thing as spot reduction. Just because you work on your ab muscles doesnt mean that you will affect the speed at which you lose fat in that area. Fat loss is a lot like scooping water from a bath tub. If you take a cup of water out of the middle of the tub, it doesnt leave you with a one cup dent in the middle of the tub. It leaves you with a cup less water all over. If you lose a pound of fat, you lose it from your entire body, regardless of how many crunches you did.

Solution: Get on a program of functional total body exercise and supportive nutrition. This will help you burn as much fat as you can each day. If you get your body fat percentage low enough, you will see your beautiful abs even if you dont do a single crunch. A very nice looking midsection, for a man, start showing up at around 12 ody fat. For women, it starts at about 18-20 because men store all of their fat on their belly, and women put it on their hips and thighs.

One extra point excessive toxins from conventional plant and animal foods overload your liver and encourage extra fat to form around your midsection, whether you are a man or a woman. The more toxic and/or dehydrated you are, the thicker the layer of fluid becomes, making you appear more chubby. So, eating organic, grass fed, and free range foods will greatly affect the results of your program.

So here are some guidelines that have worked wonders for our clients!!

1. Eat every 2-3 hours or 5-7 meals/snacks a day.
2. Yes, you will probably need to eat more often to lose fat for life!
3. Serving size: listen to your body. If you are hungry 30 min. later, you didnt eat enough. If you feel sleepy, you ate too much. If you feel great, you got it right!

Make it a great day!!!


Corey
Director, OC Physique

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guys i worked with Kathy ireland , put out the famous 8 minute abs video.
safe to say i know a bit about abs, honestly get a trainer , its worth it you will achieve results faster and they will stay.
i am open to talking to people directly if they need help