Will running shape my abs?

Question

I'm a 16 year old girl. I'm about 5'2 and 120. I've been running 3-4 miles a day. I know running helps tone your abs, but does it do so significantly or slightly?

Answer 1

I have been running for 8 years now and would recommend the following:

I would strengthen the core: calves, quads, hams, back and abdominal (the "six pack" muscles along with the obleks), chest and arms. But when strengthening these muscles, I would focus more on the muscle endurance not the muscle bulk. For more advice for this, I would consult with a personal trainer. For the running part, I would stay flexible as it helps/contributes to your balance (so do the muscles in your core) but also helps prevent some injuries like pulled muscles and shin splints. Also, I would try to make up a schedule where you can run for X amount of days and try to have a long run. I would start off slowly, running about 2-3 miles per run for the first week and increase my mileage per week. Make sure you have the following: a good diet, hydration, sleep, a good sense on how to take care of your body, and sleep. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

It will keep your stomach flat, you should tighten your stomach while you are running, that will help tone them.

Answer 3

..

You're right, running helps tone your abs.

There are a few running methods, POSE running and Chi Running (which some say is a POSE knock-off) that cause you to use your abs more than other running methods do, and consequently strengthen and tone them more.

But for ab conditioning, you really need to do ab-centric work, like crunches, or preferably core-centric work to gain a good strong center to your body.

Whether you do the ab-centric or core-centric work, you'll find that over time running is a great complementary workout - as you continue running, all things equal, you'll be losing fat stored in the stomach area, which helps you put on display those highly-toned (six pack) abs!

Regards,

Phil

Answer 4

not at all

Answer 5

im not shure but i know that sit ups will show significant increases

Answer 6

Running will help, but it's necessary to do some core in order to really shape your abs.