17 Year Old

[covert24]

yea so title says it all.... no particular reason just want to look a little better than i do now. primarily i want a decent six pack. nothing over the top and gross just a defined set of abs.

Currently i have no access to a gym of any kind so body weight exercises is what i have been doing.

Heres a list i came up with that i do usually 2-3 times a day:

20x Knee Ups
20x Leg Raises
20x Bicycles (10x Each Leg)
20x Reverse Crunches
20x Crunches with legs elevated via bed
20x Hip Thrusts
20x Cris Cross crunches with legs elevated
20x Reach and touches (pretty much the same thing as the cris cross crunch)
20x Crossed Leg Reverse Crunches (10x Each Leg)

And every now and then i crank out 50 Bicycle Crunches on each leg which completely demolish my abs lol but it feels good afterward.


it seems like a lot on paper but it takes me about 6 min, 7 tops to complete everything.

I was wondering if there is anything i should be doing differently or anything to improve my results. I honestly need to stop eating so much when i get home from school like its a problem. Im not fat by any means just like i said above, want those defined abs. I ordered some Fish Oil from ebay because it was really cheap and i have been reading up on it a bit and figured it cant hurt.

I am not sure why but i have been avidly looking at weight loss/fat burning supplements lately and im not too sure on them but they seem to be pretty promising if i keep up my stuff. Have been mainly looking at Apidexin but im not sure if it will really benefit me.

I appreciate the future responses everyone as i know some of you know what you are talking about

 

[presidentender]

As for what you put in your mouth: don't add, subtract. Eat less. Supplements will be a waste of time. That's going to be the most important for them abs.

As for the exercises: scrap it and start over. You're interested, and that's the first step. Now you need to go further.

 

[GenHoth]

If you want abs watch your diet, nothing else required. Better results will require weights

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Doing those exercises nor stimulants is going to get you abs. Cut your calories down. Refer to the fat loss sticky. You should be doing the exact same thing as someone who is overweight. You want to cut only fat. The process is the same.

 

[covert24]

Originally posted by: presidentender
As for what you put in your mouth: don't add, subtract. Eat less. Supplements will be a waste of time. That's going to be the most important for them abs.

As for the exercises: scrap it and start over. You're interested, and that's the first step. Now you need to go further.

thanks for the support on the supplements. i was kind of iffy about them anyway. and what do you mean by scrapping the exercises? Do you have any information on a better routine?



and to genhoth, im actually looking to build muscle in the process and by just dieting thats not going to build any muscle, just make me skinnier. Which is only half of what i want.

 

[covert24]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Doing those exercises nor stimulants is going to get you abs. Cut your calories down. Refer to the fat loss sticky. You should be doing the exact same thing as someone who is overweight. You want to cut only fat. The process is the same.

The thing is i have def. noticed a increase in muscle in my abs since i have been doing these exercises and i went from having literally no definition to this:

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7998/122092sv9.jpg

and

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/9471/12209cw8.jpg

Notice the vein popping out on the top...

I'm obviously getting results i just need to get the lower part of my stomach much leaner because i can feel the individual muscles right under the fat. if i could just lose the small amount of belly fat than i would be in business.

EDIT= Don't mind the empty wine bottle......

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: covert24

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Doing those exercises nor stimulants is going to get you abs. Cut your calories down. Refer to the fat loss sticky. You should be doing the exact same thing as someone who is overweight. You want to cut only fat. The process is the same.

The thing is i have def. noticed a increase in muscle in my abs since i have been doing these exercises and i went from having literally no definition to this:

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7998/122092sv9.jpg

and

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/9471/12209cw8.jpg

Notice the vein popping out on the top...

I'm obviously getting results i just need to get the lower part of my stomach much leaner because i can feel the individual muscles right under the fat. if i could just lose the small amount of belly fat than i would be in business.

EDIT= Don't mind the empty wine bottle......

You're not. You can't make the lower part of your body leaner than any other part of your body. You can't spot reduce. When you reduce body fat %, you reduce it at nearly the same rate in proportion to the amount of fat you have there.

Vascularity HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BODY FAT %. Therefore vein means nothing. Also, depending on if this is a before workout and after workout picture, that is just called muscle pump. It's an increase in blood flow.

To lose the body fat, you have to reduce overall body fat which has nothing to do with how many crunches you do. That has everything to do with the conservation of energy. Therefore, calories in must be less than calories expended.

 

[covert24]

I know i cant choose where i want the at to go away i just figured if i keep working my abs then the muscle would eventually start showing.

I know i was just pointing it out because i didn't notice it until i i just uploaded that picture a couple minutes ago.

Do you think running/jogging would help along with eating right and taking the fish oil caps i got which include the omega3 fats? Ive been reading up on the fish oil and it seems to be very promising for improving overall health. and Since i got 400 of them on the way (ordered 2x 200ct bottles) i might as well try them out.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: covert24
I know i cant choose where i want the at to go away i just figured if i keep working my abs then the muscle would eventually start showing.

I know i was just pointing it out because i didn't notice it until i i just uploaded that picture a couple minutes ago.

Do you think running/jogging would help along with eating right and taking the fish oil caps i got which include the omega3 fats? Ive been reading up on the fish oil and it seems to be very promising for improving overall health. and Since i got 400 of them on the way (ordered 2x 200ct bottles) i might as well try them out.

The muscle won't eventually show through. I could do 1 million situps every day of my life, but if I were at 15% body fat, they would sit under the flesh and fat. Body fat is the only real thing here.

Dude, just read the fat loss sticky. You don't need anything beside what's there. Try to find some weights. Calories in < calories out to lose weight. That means anything that ups your calories burnt will create a greater deficit. Depending on how much you eat, this can either be healthy or unhealthy. Read the sticky so you know what's healthy. Fish oil is good for overall health, but is not gonna make an ounce of a difference in your ab goal.

 

[brikis98]

As others have indicated, seeing your abs is 99% about body fat percentage. It doesn't matter how big or strong your abs are, if there is a layer of fat over them, you won't see them. The only thing all those ab exercises you listed will do is increase the muscular endurance of your abs, which can certainly be useful in certain contexts, but not in terms of making them any more visible. Alternatively, if you want to build core (core = abs + obliques + lower back) strength rather than abdominal endurance, you'd be better of with heavy compound lifts (squat, deadlift, OH press) and/or gymnastics moves (l-sit, planche, levers, etc). But again, none of these will help you see your abs. Only a lower bf% will and you should start with the fat loss sticky to learn how to do that.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Vascularity HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BODY FAT %. Therefore vein means nothing. Also, depending on if this is a before workout and after workout picture, that is just called muscle pump. It's an increase in blood flow.

I'm going to have to disagree with this part. How could vascularity not have anything to do with bodyfat? If you have a layer of fat, it's going to be harder to see veins. If the fat is gone, it will be easier to see them.

Granted, vascularity also depends on a number of other factors such as the thickness of your skin, vein size and position, water retention, and probably some other things I'm not thinking of, but I think body fat does at least play a role.

FWIW, I definitely noticed an increase in vascularity as I cut down.

 

[GenHoth]

Originally posted by: covert24

and to genhoth, im actually looking to build muscle in the process and by just dieting thats not going to build any muscle, just make me skinnier. Which is only half of what i want.

Then you need weights.

To special K

I have veins everywhere, its pretty intense. But it doesn't matter if I'm at 7% or 16%. Genetics have a ton to do with it. You're right that you can vary it but it a poor indicator of muscularity or body fat%

 

[KoolDrew]

Judging by the picture, abs should be the least of your concern. Gain at least 20 pounds, then start worrying about it.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Vascularity HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BODY FAT %. Therefore vein means nothing. Also, depending on if this is a before workout and after workout picture, that is just called muscle pump. It's an increase in blood flow.

I'm going to have to disagree with this part. How could vascularity not have anything to do with bodyfat? If you have a layer of fat, it's going to be harder to see veins. If the fat is gone, it will be easier to see them.

Granted, vascularity also depends on a number of other factors such as the thickness of your skin, vein size and position, water retention, and probably some other things I'm not thinking of, but I think body fat does at least play a role.

FWIW, I definitely noticed an increase in vascularity as I cut down.

Well, it seems to me he just took the pictures after exerting himself. If I do a bunch of pushups and then take a picture, my vascularity is going to be much different due to increased blood pressure. Body fat % plays a part, but is not an indicator of vascularity. Like you said, water retention, thickness of skin, hydration of skin, and blood pressure mainly are the defining points. If he took NO blast, I can almost guarantee you he would have crazy vascularity without touching his body fat %.

 

[covert24]

kooldrew wut exactly do you mean gain 20 pounds? are you saying im too skinny??

and those pictures were right after i woke up so no those weren't right after working out.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: covert24
kooldrew wut exactly do you mean gain 20 pounds? are you saying im too skinny??

and those pictures were right after i woke up so no those weren't right after working out.

Yes, he's saying you're too skinny to want to cut weight. Seriously, how much do you weigh and what's your height?

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: covert24
kooldrew wut exactly do you mean gain 20 pounds? are you saying im too skinny?

You have no muscle mass. The last thing I would suggest in your situation is to try to cut fat. In order to have abs you need 1) a low bodyfat % and 2) muscle mass underneath. You're better off working on #2 by lifting heavy and trying to gain a decent amount of mass and then cut the fat. The only time I suggest doing it the other way around is for fat individuals. You're not fat.

If you like the anorexic look, then by all means cut the fat first.

 

[batmang]

Originally posted by: presidentender
As for what you put in your mouth: don't add, subtract. Eat less. Supplements will be a waste of time. That's going to be the most important for them abs.

As for the exercises: scrap it and start over. You're interested, and that's the first step. Now you need to go further.

Word. IMO, the only way to get abs is to burn more calories than you intake. That means you need to eat a lot of carbs so you don't feel like your going to die due to your body burning more than its taking in. The carbs will give you energy, make sure you use it. Run a lot of you have a gut covering your abs. Once you burn off the fat from your gut, start working on hardcore ab exercise. A lot of people think doing only ab exercise will make your abs show. Nope.. burn the fat FIRST.

EDIT: I can't see the pics, blocked at work. If hes already fairly skinny, completely ignore my post.

 

[dealmaster00]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew

Originally posted by: covert24
kooldrew wut exactly do you mean gain 20 pounds? are you saying im too skinny?

You have no muscle mass. The last thing I would suggest in your situation is to try to cut fat. In order to have abs you need 1) a low bodyfat % and 2) muscle mass underneath. You're better off working on #2 by lifting heavy and trying to gain a decent amount of mass and then cut the fat. The only time I suggest doing it the other way around is for fat individuals. You're not fat.

If you like the anorexic look, then by all means cut the fat first.

this.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: batmang

Originally posted by: presidentender
As for what you put in your mouth: don't add, subtract. Eat less. Supplements will be a waste of time. That's going to be the most important for them abs.

As for the exercises: scrap it and start over. You're interested, and that's the first step. Now you need to go further.

Word. IMO, the only way to get abs is to burn more calories than you intake. That means you need to eat a lot of carbs so you don't feel like your going to die due to your body burning more than its taking in. The carbs will give you energy, make sure you use it. Run a lot of you have a gut covering your abs. Once you burn off the fat from your gut, start working on hardcore ab exercise. A lot of people think doing only ab exercise will make your abs show. Nope.. burn the fat FIRST.

EDIT: I can't see the pics, blocked at work. If hes already fairly skinny, completely ignore my post.

Uh, WTF. The bolded part is ridiculous. Eating a ton of carbs, even at caloric surplus, will make you feel hungry as hell. Carbs are the quickest burned form of energy. The body uses what it can immediately and then stores the rest as glycogen or fat. When that's done, you feel hungry again. Protein and fat are MUCH better options because the body slowly uses them as energy, making you feel less hungry. Not to mention, the body slows digestion when fat enters the system in an effort to try to break it down. This is simple physiology and it is scientific fact. Carbs are a terrible way to go if one is trying to diet.

 

[covert24]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: covert24
kooldrew wut exactly do you mean gain 20 pounds? are you saying im too skinny??

and those pictures were right after i woke up so no those weren't right after working out.

Yes, he's saying you're too skinny to want to cut weight. Seriously, how much do you weigh and what's your height?

i weigh about 160 and im 5 10. idk what the average is at my age/height.


i would be going to the gym and lifting weights in a heart beat only im grounded for a while.....so i cant go anywhere... even to better my health. Looking for some things i could do at home without any equipment that would increase at least something...

ive always considered myself moderately fat idk why.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: covert24

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: covert24
kooldrew wut exactly do you mean gain 20 pounds? are you saying im too skinny??

and those pictures were right after i woke up so no those weren't right after working out.

Yes, he's saying you're too skinny to want to cut weight. Seriously, how much do you weigh and what's your height?

i weigh about 160 and im 5 10. idk what the average is at my age/height.


i would be going to the gym and lifting weights in a heart beat only im grounded for a while.....so i cant go anywhere... even to better my health. Looking for some things i could do at home without any equipment that would increase at least something...

ive always considered myself moderately fat idk why.

What'd you do to get grounded?

 

[covert24]

hehe.....cant tell ya. All you can know is it was illegal.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: covert24
hehe.....cant tell ya. All you can know is it was illegal.

Well then I'm just going to assume you were caught boning the neighbor's dog.

 

[covert24]

Originally posted by: BeauJangles

Originally posted by: covert24
hehe.....cant tell ya. All you can know is it was illegal.

Well then I'm just going to assume you were caught boning the neighbor's dog.

VERY good guess but no.


so anything i can do to increase muscle mass while on lockdown at home?