I'm a hard gainer that had back surgery to remove the herniation on both sides of my L5 last fall. My back (and my confidence in my back) recovered enough that I am now working out HARD three to four days a week and eating great. I've lost about as much fat as I possibly can, and look great except that my abs don't really POP! They are lean and you can see a little bit of definition, but not a lot. I do a lot of crunches and the ab machine. I haven't done anything too funky (hanging situps, etc.), since I'm still nervous about hurting my back. Has anyone with prior back problems ever walked the fine line of working their abs enough to get a six-pack w/o getting reinjured? Any suggestions on good exercises that may not be as tough on my back? Thanks.
