Att: 'YeLLoWs2knVA'

I assume that's you, in your avatar? If so, I congratulate you on a great physique, with both symmetry (between the muscle groups) and definition?!



What stomach exercises do you recommend.... to bring out the definition, once one has lost the layer of fat over their abs; as I know doing loads of cruches etc every day, ain't the way to do it!?

Currently I do a mix of crunches/situps.... examples being -

1. Legs (calves) elevated against my bed, arms across chest, lifting upper body towards knees, lowering slightly back, crunching and then lowering all the way back down (slowly).

2. As above, but working the diagnals (ie right side to left side) and without the crunch bit.

3. Laying on the bed, butt near the edge, legs held together straight up, lower down to almost horizontal, hold for 10secs and then back up.

4. On hands and knees, arch back up & dip head between shoulders, release, arch back down & look up.

5. (my fave) Laying on bed flat, lifting legs & arms straight up together in a scissor action, touching feet, part slightly, crunch back up, lower all the way back down (slowly).

What do you think and suggest....?!

Cheers,
-Mark-
Melbourne,
AUSTRALIA

 

I'd suggest trying to set a target fitness level, instead of weight. That way, it's just your body's natural tendency, so you just might have to live with it.

To give you a different POV, many of us would love to be 5'10" and 140lbs- I'm that height and at 230. I eat pretty well- watching those carbs and fats, workout when I can (30-90 minutes of swimming or biking), and the weight is extremely hard to shed off. My ideal weight would be about 180 (as I'm built well, but need to loose some extra skin), but I guess there's only so much you can do with genetics. The grass is always greener on the other side- it's just better to be on the side of health.

Good luck!

 

again,

* What sort of 'simple' sugars, are you referring to?

* I'm assuming the 'pull/push', simply (as lable suggests) refers to the type of exercise and whether it involves a pulling or pushing motion?

* Unfortunately, DPS does not ship internationally.... even if they did - the cost of shipping & customs, would negate any price savings!

* Can any one recommend any good 'fitness/health' websites?

* Does any one have suggestions, for developing good muscle tone/definition in the Abs; as lots of crunches/situps, is not the way to go?

Oh, this GNC 'Mega Whey' powder works great.... really helps with recovery and insures that my body gets a steady supply of high quality protein & amino acids!!

Cheers,
-Mark-

 

Here's my dilema.

I'm 5'9 and weigh a massive 128lbs. When I first went to MEPS, I was three pounds under my minimum to enter the Air Force. They sent me home and had me go up there a week later, after I had gained three pounds. I did, and to make sure I was over my minimum, I stuffed myself for breakfast and drank a lot of water at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). I made weight, but only by 2 pounds.

Now, I leave for basic on Dec. 9th. I have to go back up to MEPS on that day and weigh in and what not for shipping. I want to be atleast 10 pounds over my minimum (122 lbs., I think). What would be the fastest way to put on ten pounds? I know that eating a lot helps, but I don't have much available to me except fast food. Should I go buy some protein bars and munch on them throughout the day? Shakes? Should I go to KFC several times a day and eat lotsa chicken and potatoes?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Aussie_ITR-0239

 

Thanks heaps - for taking the time to type out, your many great 'tips' (Acumo).... it's much appreciated!!

It's with web forums (such as this), that I've learnt so very much about cars, photography, hi-fi, fitness, computers etc.... which is so damn handy and saves time + $$$. The trick is for everyone to be both a 'giver' as well as 'taker' of information (which I know I do both).... that way every one wins!


I'll have go investigate whether I can get hold of the 'Ultra Fuel' (by Twinlab), that you suggested OR source something similar (here in Australia). Also, you 'finer' points on revealing ones abs are well noted. Before 2 months ago, I was guilty of believing a few of the misconceptions (eg stomach exercises will burn fat in that area & high reps will make abs bigger).... but other things I've read and your + YeLLoWs2knVA's comments, have for me!

I will adopt and concentrate on contracting/crunching my abs harder.... along with continuing to reduce my 'fat count' % through diet + weight/aerobic exercises. I'll report back in a few weeks and tell you how I'm doing!


Thanks again....
-Mark-
Australia

 

I agree with DBJB, protien is essential to lean mass. If you want to gain size but not fat, lots of protien. For the record, I'm 5'8 and at one point was 225 and 30-32% fat, then lifted, and adjusted diet, used ephedrine, caffine, asprin, creatine, and anabolics, and I got to 185 and 8%, but then I did not have any time to work out any more, but no time to eat much either, then I was 170-175 at about 11%, now I am working out again, and I am about 165 and 7%, but dropping the fat percentage.

If you really really want to get lean, and gain size, you will want to have a ridiculous percentage like 60% protien percentage. I use a low fat diet, in conjunction with the Atkins diet, and I have found that nothing works better. But this can only be done for a very limited amount of time, one month max. Because it is bad for your health.

Bottom line, your body obviously does not want for you to be a big person, therefore, it is going to take unnatural methods for your body to grow.

 

I'm 6' and at heaviest I weigh 135 (when I was sick with the flu in January 03, I went down to 124). My diet mainly consists of carbs and protein already (chicken and pasta, I don't drink soda usually mainly water and non-carbonated drinks) and I work out (not as much as the other guy said, but just enough to feel ok ). Although I'm looking for the same answers you are, I think we'll just need to marry someone who knows how to cook (I know how to, but am too lazy most of the time).

 

If you increase you rmuscle mass, will your metabolism go up? Are they directly related like that?

 

Yes, the muscle mass is very important, but the most important is muscle density.