How do I work the abs?

[Fazc]

My personal favourite is Standing Abs from a Lat Pulldown. Other than that, weight sit-ups, side bends etc anything where I can add weight progressively.

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by Roy1787

I understand that abs are made in the kitchen. How do we train them properly so they look thicker when they are revealed? Is it better to train them more frequently and do we need resistance or volume?

Genetically speaking, you are predisposed to your genetic disposition, and they do not "grow-like" other muscle parts. Concerning the core, I looked at them more in line in what they are "designed to do", and designed my workout structure around this concept. For example, if I am leaning down, and wanting to reveal the core (through dietary structure, and metabolic-like weight training), I will peform the Front Squat, instead of the Back Squat. The base reason, for this is the fact that the core takes on more of a "stability and control" position during the execution of the movement as compared to the Back Squat. Which is one of its primary functions. In addition, when running a circuit, I will add in Prone Planks, and Renegade Rows (right after completing the Front Squat), as these are close kin to the same thing: "Stability and support", during the execution of the movement, which, again, is the primary purpose of this muscle group. In addition, the core gets indirect work when performing the Military Press, Pull-ups, and other compound movements (say like the Dead lift as well). Directly, I have performed weighted progressive decline Sit-ups around my split circuit, but I performed them only in 30 degrees up. In addition, direct core work would include weighted stability ball crunch, but its not the mainstay of my program. I have always had overly large core structure. What I can say is that during the years I have trained, they have not grown much, but strength has improved greatly. Hope this helps, if you need more information, let me know.

[Rich Knapp]

Abs play a good part in locking the core for heavy stable lifts in my opinion.

Legs or no legs for stability.
I agree that as a person starting out that they do develop fine with other compound lifts.

As you move into advance you may want to hit them for a direct w/o for them.
I like the Hammer Strength Machine, weighted ab crunches and the Lat pull down for weighted crunches.

[Jesda]

What is a weighted plank? I would like to know as they sound sort of interesting. Are they hard to do? I need to get my abs in shape.