Abs growing out but

[mudy]

I'd like them growing "in". Because I started to look like I have belly fat on the lower part..

Suggestions?

[GolGotha]

Originally Posted by mudy

I'd like them growing "in". Because I started to look like I have belly fat on the lower part..

Suggestions?

No offense, but from your pictures you could hardly look like you have belly fat. I don't have anything constructive to say other than you may be a bit too choicey in how your body reacts to things. Maybe do less weighted ab work and more bodyweight ab work (like dragon flags, etc) since weighted ab work makes them bulky and protruding while bodyweight ab work will give you that lean, gnarled look.

[mudy]

You got me, I do weighted. Lever 45 degree ..my favorite with 15lb and seated crunch.

[DJAuto]

Originally Posted by mudy

You got me, I do weighted. Lever 45 degree ..my favorite with 15lb and seated crunch.

Try higher repetitions and unweighted work.

Genetically, some individuals are prone to massive abdominal size changes with weighted movements.

[mudy]

Interestingly, my abs have never been big, just lately I noticed. I don't think it's fat because it's hard. Unless I have some bowel problems..hope not.

[EPMD]

A lot of people swear by stomach vacuums for keeping abs "in", though I'm not a big fan myself. If you really don't want your abs to protrude, then just stop working them, and they'll shrink back down. I don't think you can really work a muscle to be smaller.

[rawlife]

I wouldn't change anything about you. Not anything.

[mudy]

That's nice, thank you

[dazzlepecs]

my waist is getting thicker too, I think its deadlifting and bent-over-rows, because i do zero ab work

[mudy]

It could be, now you're telling me, I do deadlifts religiously.

[ny58]

Originally Posted by GolGotha

Maybe do less weighted ab work and more bodyweight ab work (like dragon flags, etc) since weighted ab work makes them bulky and protruding while bodyweight ab work will give you that lean, gnarled look.

i dont think thats true .. ur muscle either grows or it doesnt. . any ab exercise is going to make ur muscles grow. . weighted will not make it grow in any different. .muscle shape is genetic and cant be changed .. if i were u i would just continue to diet. . maybe even cut down on ur ab exercises in general .. more cardio and diet .. great progress by the way. . keep it up!

[brent2886]

I know some people aren't fans of the stomach vacuums, but I would suggest giving them a try. When I started doing them in substitute for weighted ab exercises, and increased cardio and cut calories, i lost a good inch and a half on my waist, and I would say the vacuums did about a third of that. If they don't work for you, no harm done, you'll still be strengthening your core.

[mudy]

I do abs 2 times a week and other days I also use them with my exercises -deadlifts for example.

I don't really want to do less than 2.

I just heard complimenting pilates that it works the muscle differently. Not sure how and why.

[skizbees]

It might be your pelvic tilt. Your spine should have a slight "S" curve, which could explain the belly "pouch". If you want a flatter spine before you do crunches, do some partial bridges to stretch it gently. You can eventually release enough tension to feel pinned to the floor without resistance.