Ab strength and size ?

[Blazerboy777]

What are the most common ab workouts and how many reps per set? I go to the LA fitness, and typically do the situp machine, the oblique twist, hanging leg raises.

The size doesnt seem to be coming on, and was wondering what is a great way to get size on the abdominals? Should I shoot for a 6 rep high weight? Or should I be doing it differently?

[devilsrule61287]

Abs are like any other muscle, in that if you want them to truly grow, you have to go high weight and just do fewer reps. Exercises like leg raises, russian twists, etc. are all great and most certainly strengthen the abs, but weighted exercises at low reps will give them more size. I typically do 2 ab routines, one for ab size, and one for ab endurance/strength. The ab size day typically consists of exercises like weighted crunches with a plate behind my head, weighted russian twists on a decline bench, heavy cable crunches, etc. All exercises on that day are done with high weight, so not too many reps.

[Faust24]

For me I get the most out of Cable crunches, right now doing 200lbs for 20 reps.
Before that I was doing decline weighted crunches.

I am not a big fan of leg raises, since most of the exercises uses hip flexors and not abs.

One of the best tips I have received is hold contraction for 2 secs, since the actual movement is so short.

[Blazerboy777]

Thanks for the advice, ill definitely add some of that / replace

[keys_10]

Just as with any other muscle train them weighted & in the desired rep range.

Don't forget again just as any other muscle they require a healthy calorie surplus.

[HighFivan]

woodchoppers, cable crunches, hanging leg raises. all i've ever needed. I keep my reps between 10-20, and go for large numbers of sets. but much like everything in training, its about finding what works for you.