Why don't ab exercises work for me?

Question

Ok, let me preface this by saying that i'm not looking for a "ripped 6-pack". I just want to have a stronger midsection. I've tried a number of different things- bicycle, revers crunches, vertical crunches, bridges, leg lifts, '6 inches', twists, and more (not all at once of course). i try doing 2 or 3 sets of maybe 4 or so exercises at a time(and do that about 3 times a week), but midway through the second my abs just die out and i can't do any more. it's been like this and i havent been able to get past that for years. i don't understand how i've been able to get better at running, put on muscle from lifting, but never get stronger abs? i'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions

Answer 1

you need to do more sit ups like i do about 100 a night

....but it also depends on how big and how much meat you got on your bones

Answer 2

I don't know anything about excersising,but, maybe it has to do with your diet. Watching what you eat, maybe you need to add more protein in your diet. Just a suggestion.

Answer 3

You have to strengthen your muscles in pairs, and it sounds like you are ignoring your back.  Your abs will not be stronger than your back muscles, so if you really want to have stronger abs, include some strengthening for your lower back, also!

Answer 4

Be certain that you are exhaling on the exertion part of the ab exercise.

Answer 5

take a pilates class that specializes in abs. They work great

Answer 6

Maybe you are not concentrating enough of focusing the muscle use. Really focus and isolate those target areas.

Answer 7

check your back, i had the same problem, now i got an 8 pack on my back