Do abs need to rest?
 

I know that some bodybuilders work abs on a rotation just like any other body part. But abs are different, right? Aren't they a muscle group like calves that get used all day every day and therefore react differently to training? The type that gains density instead of size.

Anyway, I do 50 reps crunches/variations every morning, Monday through Friday, along with my stretches and a set of pushups to get blood flowing in my upper body. Am I overworking my abs or is that even possible?

everyday abs is OK, i've always heard

only for girly-men

50 crunches a day won't be a problem since that isn't really brutalizing them. (not implying it isn't a good workout, just saying it isn't one that'll lay you up for a week).

BUT, you might want to alternate so that you are hitting your abs from different angles with different intensities every other day or so.

*mason twists are fast and relatively easy but effective
*crunches on a ball
*pelvic thrusts while head and shoulders rest on the ball (plus Pooka gets to laugh)


Actually, if you do the Ab Ripper X workout from P90X 3 times a week, you will not need anything else for your abs. seriously.

Part 1

Part 2

You can do the whole thing in less than 15 minutes.

Do Abs Need to Rest?

not according to meth addicts.

Rest when you're dead flint, now get back to work!

If you buy my new video "7 Minute Abs", you can rest them for 23 hours 53 minutes a day!

And if you aren't satisfied with 7 minute abs, you can get the extra minute free!

step into my office, cuz yer fucken fired!

That's always been my excuse. "Not tonight, honey. No, I don't have a headache, but my abs need to rest, y'see..."

:lol:

"And if you order now you can get this extra fry maker for free! Makes hundreds of julian fries."

I've heard that a person can workout the abs everyday. However, if you the P90X Ab ripper, then you'd need to give it a rest. You should only do it 2 to 3 times a week, according to its program.

You could do it more without problems if you aren't doing the whole P90X program but I don't really think you'd need to. I laugh at pretty much all of the workouts that are put on DVD because they're too gimmicky but if you can look past Tony Horton's schtick P90X is freaking amazing. If you do it you will probably be in the best shape of your life and you will not have spent hours pounding weights in the gym.

A person does get much stronger and toner doing the P90X program. However, you'd also need to jog. Yes, the workouts do make your heart beat faster; however, they do not make your heart and lungs stronger the way jogging does. I suggest a person work in some jogging too.

Actually, abs can be worked out daily. But you'll probably get better results if you alternate core/isometric workouts with lifting.
IE. do the plank. every day.
Also consider how you are working your back. They are a team and making your abs extremely strong without paying equal attention to your back can create...issues.

I have the opposite issues :( Extreme back usage + no supporting abs = headed for wheelchair. I'm in remedial abs class. with homework that's explained in pictures :( if I work hard i might graduate PT and be allowed to enrol in abs101 next week.

never take extreme flexibility for granted, people.