Has anyone had any true success with an ab firming/reduction program?

Question

I get moderate to strenuous amounts of exercise three to four times a week, but definitley no more. Usually alternating between cardio on a tread mill and working out with stationary weights that include a reverse abdominal crunch. The muscles are there, I can feel them, there is just this jiggly layer of flesh that seems to be growing thicker by the week no matter how hard I work my abdominal group. I'd like to hear from someone who has struggled with their midsection regardless of their weight and level of fitness because I have never been FAT, just so fleshy in the middle. What did you do?

Answer 1

i usually crunch after running, its been working for me.

and by crunches i don't mean sit ups, but he ones you do on your back with your legs bent at about a 75 or 90 degree angle.

i've had some success, but i've been having to and more then i usually do, so start with 200, your core sounds pretty strong, and add a 100 every time you work out. the bicycle crunches do a lot more work, so if your in for a challenge, try those too.

Answer 2

No matter how many exercises you perform or reps you complete, abdominal exercises will not firm up your abs. We all have the potential to create a great midsection but until the layer of fat covering the stomach is reduced your abs will remain invisible. So how do you get rid of this layer of fat? In simple terms you need to be burning more calories than you consume through cardiovascular exercising (running, jogging, cycling etc.) Just as important is your diet. In fact a correct nutritional program accounts for as much as 80% of your success when trying to achieve a six pack stomach. Even the timing of meals and the amount you consume is absolutely crucial.

If you have a large layer of body fat covering your abdominals, excessive ab exercising is not the solution! It is only once this fat layer has been considerably reduced that it is the time to start incorporating abdominal exercises.