Abs... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

LoganSnake · 03-12-2010, 07:39 AM

So I've been meaning to ask.

A question about abs. I've noticed that some people have abs that aren't symmetrical. Granted, perfect symmetry is rare, but I'm talking about things like this:

Where they're checker-board shaped. Is that a purely genetic/physiological disposition or is there a "wrong" way to exercise your abs?

essendoubleop · 03-12-2010, 10:28 PM

There's surely someone here who is more qualified to answer than me, but those look like the result of bicycles to me. I do know that some people have the ability to develop 8-packs which IS purely genetic.

Xerxys · 03-13-2010, 09:13 AM

^^ I have an 8 pack ....

It's fuckin' AWESOME!!

There are ways you can improve the shape of your abs and that is by balancing your exercise routine. Bicycle is good but you may also want to try crunches and pull-ups (the ones you pull your knees up as well) to make sure your chest muscles and the muscles beneath your armpits don't start looking unflattering. If all else fails, use a roller. Granted you won't be able to eat anything for a while but at least you stomach will be flattened and you can start again.

antithesis · 07-25-2010, 06:34 AM

Generally speaking, mass is the result of training, and symmetry/shape is the result of genetics. But a person might be predisposed to gaining mass more or less easily (think of the term "hardgainer").

To get abs that stand out, you need to lower your body fat percentage considerably. (For men) around 10-12% bf you will have some noticeable abs, but if you want that chiseled look (like the above picture, or even a little more so) you will want to go somewhere in the 8% range. I'm unsure if the same percentages work for women, since they are designed to have a little more body fat.

Bodybuilders in competition form are typically in the 2-4% body fat range--and this is a purely temporary state.

There are many exercises for abs, but they are a muscle group that is challenging to work. You would be very hard pressed to simply crunch yourself to a six-pack.

If anyone wants more info on ab training exercises, just respond.*

03-12-2010, 07:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
LoganSnake We work alone Location: Cake Town	Abs... So I've been meaning to ask. A question about abs. I've noticed that some people have abs that aren't symmetrical. Granted, perfect symmetry is rare, but I'm talking about things like this: Where they're checker-board shaped. Is that a purely genetic/physiological disposition or is there a "wrong" way to exercise your abs? __________________ Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques

03-12-2010, 10:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
essendoubleop Psycho	There's surely someone here who is more qualified to answer than me, but those look like the result of bicycles to me. I do know that some people have the ability to develop 8-packs which IS purely genetic.

03-13-2010, 09:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	^^ I have an 8 pack .... It's fuckin' AWESOME!! There are ways you can improve the shape of your abs and that is by balancing your exercise routine. Bicycle is good but you may also want to try crunches and pull-ups (the ones you pull your knees up as well) to make sure your chest muscles and the muscles beneath your armpits don't start looking unflattering. If all else fails, use a roller. Granted you won't be able to eat anything for a while but at least you stomach will be flattened and you can start again.

07-25-2010, 06:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
antithesis Upright	Generally speaking, mass is the result of training, and symmetry/shape is the result of genetics. But a person might be predisposed to gaining mass more or less easily (think of the term "hardgainer"). To get abs that stand out, you need to lower your body fat percentage considerably. (For men) around 10-12% bf you will have some noticeable abs, but if you want that chiseled look (like the above picture, or even a little more so) you will want to go somewhere in the 8% range. I'm unsure if the same percentages work for women, since they are designed to have a little more body fat. Bodybuilders in competition form are typically in the 2-4% body fat range--and this is a purely temporary state. There are many exercises for abs, but they are a muscle group that is challenging to work. You would be very hard pressed to simply crunch yourself to a six-pack. If anyone wants more info on ab training exercises, just respond.*