Abs and Weight Loss
 

I read thru some of the ab posts here, and have a question.

I've lost about 55lbs so far but still have a ways to go to reach my "healthy" weight. Since I've lost quite a bit of my "gut" I have some loose skin on my stomach. Would ab exercises help? I know abs don't show unless you get rid of the fat on top of the muscle, and still have a way to go to get rid of the rest of the fat.

Unfortunatly they won't help with skin. Try eating more vitamin E (fish) and wait. The skin will begin to fit your new shape with time.

So I'm wasting my time working my abs and concentrate on something else? or will it eventually benefit me?

Working on your abs is never a waste of time, it just won't help your loose skin. Only time will help your skin, and if it's really bad (though if you weren't 100's of lbs over weight, I think time will do it) you may want surgery if you're that self concious about it.
Working on abs helps things such as balance and posture because you're strenghtening your core muscles. I've noticed a huge difference on how I carry myself now that I've been working on strengthening my core. What are you doing/how much are you working them?

The loose skin is not bad at all, so I'll give it time.

I just started working my abs with crunches, I'm doing about 100 crunches every day. I can feel it burn after I'm done, but the next morning nothing. If I feel it the next morning I won't do them that day, not sure if that's wise or not...

Don't forget that you should be working your lower back muscles as well! They work in conjunction with your abs to hold your body upright- strong abs plus weak back muscles can lead to problems with your spinal alignment!

Can you suggest any lower back exercises that can be done without equipment. I only know the yoga move where you lay on your stomach and arc your head, arms, and legs up into the air...and hold. What else is there?

lower back would be most machines at the gym (if you go to one) that work the lower back/glutes. I also feel the burn in my lower back when doing lunges.

As far as crunches go, you might want to get a stablity ball and use that, it helps your back and having to balance tones the muscles even more. Regular crunches only work the upper abs and miss the lower abs and obliques. You can do site crunches to work your obliques and hip lifts to work your lower abs.

Are you putting your hands behind your head? If so, be sure you're not pushing your neck forward to where your chin is close to your chest, your neck should be straight. This is really bad for your back. If you are doing this put your finger tips on your temples or cross your arms over your chest.

Abs and back together. That seems to be the answer. It will help to tighten all around.

I used to laugh at guys using that big exercise ball in the gym until a pilates instructor challenged me to work out on it. After that I was hooked and its on my christmas list. Best core strengthening aide for the price. Works back and abs simultaneously in a low impact manner. I highly recommend it.

Kettle bells are also great for serious core strengthening