What for abs?

[Questor]

I haven't typically really explored ab work much. I did about a year of weighted decline situps before getting sick of it and quitting.

I'm going to start some ab work again, part time on one workout day where I've got some time.

What do you recommend?

[MPB]

this is my favorite:
http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/CBKneelingCrunch.html

if you're looking for more varities:
http://www.exrx.net/Lists/ExList/WaistWt.html

[North]

I like doing hanging leg raises, it helps more than your abs too; good for body control.

[saia127]

I like doing hanging leg raises, it helps more than your abs too; good for body control.

yea these are my favorite.

Pitbull I might have to try those knelling cable pulls.

[CleverName]

I do this

http://www.elitefts.com/documents/thrash_your_abs.htm

[WORLD]

hanging leg raises....
OH and diet.

[Keith]

I like doing hanging leg raises, it helps more than your abs too; good for body control.

Hanging weighted reverse crunches FTW!

[cphafner]

hanging leg raises will work your hip flexors more than your abs.

[Keith]

hanging leg raises will work your hip flexors more than your abs.

Yeah, that's why I switched to reverse crunches.

[WORLD]

They still work your lower abs.

[cphafner]

They still work your lower abs.

Pretty ineffectively imo. You'd be better off doing lying leg raises.

[WORLD]

Your right, it might not be most effective for lower abs, but I would definately keep in it my routine.

[Keith]

Your right, it might not be most effective for lower abs, but I would definately keep in it my routine.

If you agree they're not as effective as others, why would you keep them in your routine?

[Sensei]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnlO1pNHdVY

[WORLD]

Because of the amount of muscles used in the exercise. Hip flexors, iliopsoas, obliques and rectus abdominus. Your 8 abdominal muscles aren't the only muscles that make your midsection look good....imo.

edit: 8 abs, ok, im sorry i didnt consider the top 2.

[Keith]

Because of the amount of muscles used in the exercise. Hip flexors, iliopsoas, obliques and rectus abdominus. Your 6 abdominal muscles aren't the only muscles that make your midsection look good....imo.

8? Sure it is. With limited oblique work as well. My point is, IMO there are far better abdominal exercises then the leg raise because the primary stress is being placed on the hip flexors, and well, I can't see you wanting to bring those body parts up..

[tomv]

Bridges and all their variations.
Plain Bridges
Side Bridges
Plain Bridges with 1 foot raised
Plain Bridges with 1 foot / opposite hand raised
Bridges on a Fit Ball

The list goes on and one, they're very effective for the activation of the rectus abdominus and external obliques and you can pretty much challenge yourself as much as you want through variations (as shown).

[Songsangnim]

hanging leg raises will work your hip flexors more than your abs.


Wouldn't that depend largely on how they are done?

You might find this article interesting


http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/329/

While this is for gymnastics..why would he use ineffective ab movements or feel they are superior?

[tomv]

Most people I'm assuming consider hanging leg raises to be the act of forming the "L" that is seen in that article. This is primarily done using the hip flexors. The abdominals become more primary movers as you start to curl the midsection up, forming the end part of the movement.

[growthrep]

I really like Russian twists, weighted crunches, incline sit ups, and leg raises.