how often to train abs

at the moment im only training them 2x a week could i train them more??
 
also how much cardio should i be doing as im trying to gain lean mass and lose a bit of weight at the same time i train a 4 day split and do 30 min cardio 3 times a week
 
thanks marc

Twice a week is fine. Altho to be honest try squating/deadlifting more and heavier. This will do more for your core (abs) than any situp ever will imo. So i'd actually suggest abs oncer per week same with squats and deadlift.

cardio 30 mins x 3 is fine. No need for more than that. Many do less, but it's good to keep fitness in check. 20 x 3 will be benficial still to be honest, but just do what you feel works for you. I wouldn't go more though to be honest unless you're bothered more about fatloss and/or fitness than gaining lean mass.

 i have deadlifts on a monday and squats on a friday thanks alot mate

why?  what do you think you will get from doing them 2x a week or more?  in fact what do you think you get from training them at all?

being serious, not taking the p!ss by the way

i was asking as i did not want to overwork them mate.. im new to this and been doing it for about a month. i was only asking

fixter1


i was asking as i did not want to overwork them mate.. im new to this and been doing it for about a month. i was only asking

once a week is more than enough mate,  they are involved in pretty much every exercise you do, so really dont need any isolation work unless you specifically need deeper cuts ie competitions. abb work puts alot of strain on the back and discs, and it wont give a flatter stomach or better definition
 
 

Why o why do people still insist on giving beginners deadlifts and squats???I have been training 30 years and can count on one hand the apount of newbys who can squat!! they have no core strength, no balance, weak quads, weak calves, weak  tendons ligaments this all needs to be built up over time then when they are at the intermediate stage they can do these movements and get more out of them. This advice really really fustrates me!!!!

micky


Why o why do people still insist on giving beginners deadlifts and squats???I have been training 30 years and can count on one hand the apount of newbys who can squat!! they have no core strength, no balance, weak quads, weak calves, weak  tendons ligaments this all needs to be built up over time then when they are at the intermediate stage they can do these movements and get more out of them. This advice really really fustrates me!!!!

Is it worth learning to squat using a smith machine? ive only been going to the gym for 3 months and this is what i have been doing. I understand it doesnt require any stabalizer groups like proper squats do but its better than toppling over sideways, or forward...or back for that matter with a heavy bar, plus you have the advantage of a safety clip so dont get into too much trouble lol

If you want to learn how to squat your best off finding a coach who can teach you (not someone in the gym - they may be just as wrong) incorrect technique squatting or deadlifting can give you some pretty painful/serious/long lasting injuries once you start upping weight. IMHO not smith machine squats either, I've found they teach pretty ****ty technique and put some painful shearing forces on the knees

micky


Why o why do people still insist on giving beginners deadlifts and squats???I have been training 30 years and can count on one hand the apount of newbys who can squat!! they have no core strength, no balance, weak quads, weak calves, weak  tendons ligaments this all needs to be built up over time then when they are at the intermediate stage they can do these movements and get more out of them. This advice really really fustrates me!!!!

I can't think of a better reason to start squatting then as it will sort all that out.

U just have to be careful about it, start light and get good advice.

I've read many routines by experts such as bill starr's 5x5 that are generally geared towards beginners that consist of mainly compound exercises and I agree with him.

There is no reason to why you cannot train abs on every work out.  Mix it up with crunches and reverse crunches Etc.

Ok you 'can' train abs everyday if you like but it is a complete waste of time due the amount of work your entire core 'should' be doing during all your resitance work. It also always depends on what you are trying to achieve?? If you want to have strength then you will get adequate strenght training with correct technique (if you have a well stacked/robust trunk and pelvis). If you want to get deeper cuts then you should keep an eye on my Q&A in 'training correctly' as I will be opening a debate on core work next month.
As for squats they are a basic compound move that are only suitable if they are appropriate to what you wish to achieve, performed with great technique (startin light) and done on good sound biomechanics. If they are not you are setting yourself up for some serious injuries in the future.
Good luck with your training :)