How often you should do ab workout

laura · Joined: 04 Feb 2006 Posts: 154

Hi guys.
I am making some very positive changes in my life.
After 11 years smoking I've quit Smile

Bravo me! I've stop bitting nails and quit drinking coffee (i am on green tea in mornings). I really don't know how I manage to do all this, especially since i am getting through very stressful period at the moment (i won't get into this)
So, i started exercising. Actually i run – mile or 2 miles, i don't know exactly, but i also started with abs. Well- here is a problem... yesterday i did 35 abs and today my abs are killing me.
I am not even sure if i am doing them the right way. How often you should do ab workout, and how exactly, if someone would be so kind to describe it...

karma · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 269

Woow! Congrat! You're good! Just keep on with this tempo!
About abs ... yeah, it hurts ...but only at the beginning, when you'll get used to them (which will be in a matter of days, perhaps week), you won't feel a thing, except tight abs of course Wink

From experience (aerobics clubs...) we did abs in 3 series. For example:
1.serie: 25 abs
2.serie: 30 abs
3.serie: 20 abs
This is just descriptive- adjust the number to your possibilities (and pain Smile

) First is always 'the middle', second is the hardest, and last one is the easiest... to relax ...hehe

So, how to do them- most people think (i did too- i was thought that way in school) that abs are done like that: lie on your back, bent knees and now lift upper body towards your knees. Wrong. The effective part is just the beginning, which means: you are in the position described: lie on back, hands behind head (or on your chest, whatever you prefer) and lift your upper body for no more than 15 degrees. You will feel your abs tighten. You can move directly forward or slightly to the left/right, which is a good exercise for side abs.
Exercise for lower abs: lie on the back, but do not bend your legs in knees – your body is totally stretched, arms are also stretched, right next to body with hands on the floor. Now, lift your legs.
One exercise is that you lift your legs '3 parts': first you stop at lifting legs at 20 degrees, next stop is at 40 degrees from floor and third stop is at 60 degrees.
Very similar exercise, just instead 3 'stops' you have 2 stops: at approximately 30 and 60 degrees.
I hope you get it... if you need me to clear things (exercises), tell.
Just continue doing what you're doing!!

laura · Joined: 04 Feb 2006 Posts: 154

Karma, thank you very much for your reply!
I understand - everything you said is perfectly clean, you do not have to explain it again Wink

I am still non smoker and planning to stay that way. Very Happy

very proud!
Still not bitting nails- making some French manicure instead- looks much, much better Laughing

I has been raining here for the past few days, and since i'm running in the woods, i am afraid it is all muddy out there... I mis running though, and I am going to hit some mud today ... can wait until the rain stops Rolling Eyes

As far as abs ... yesterday i came up to 75 - with your method (3 series). I still feel my abs, but that's the point, right? Smile

Anyway, thanks again for your post. See ya!