Abs: bulky versus flat

[Andrew79]

I have been reading a lot of good threads about how to work the abs, but one piece of information I can't find:

Some people have really bulky abs that stick out, and some have flat (but still really strong) abs, right? I am losing weight with diet, cardio and lifting right now, and I still have some belly fat which obscures my abs. This makes it difficult for me to tell for sure, but it sure feels like, as I work my abs, they're getting bulkier, and pushing my stomach further out.

How do I choose exercises that flatten my abs while strengthening them, rather than bulking them up? Right now I do weighted crunches on an inclined bench.

 

[buzz]

ab muscles are like any other muscles.if you use weights they will get bulkier.

 

[Andrew79]

Then, which are the muscles that pull the stomach in? Clearly it's possible to have a strong core, without having abs that bulge out in the middle.

 

[buzz]

you dont have to use weight to have a strong core,planks,crunches,ab-role-outs,will all give you a strong core without making your abs to bulky,BTW your supposed to have slight curve in your frame.

 

[Andrew79]

Ok, thanks! I'm going to try adding planks to my routine.

 

[Charlie Golf]

Then, which are the muscles that pull the stomach in? Clearly it's possible to have a strong core, without having abs that bulge out in the middle.

That would be the Transverse Abdominis.

Along with planks and rollouts, add kneeling or standing vacuums. 30-60 seconds. Breath! The nice thing about vacs is you can do them anywhere kinda like kegels!

Read here under actions and exercise: Transversus abdominis muscle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[andyroid20]

Just an added point, weights will help on the road to a strong core in conjuction with great exercises such as planks. Deadlifting does strengthen your core quite well especially if you do it without a belt. (make sure your technique is right). But I shouldn't worry too much about your abs being bulky. When you get rid of the belly they will probably not seem that bulky anymore. But yeah definitely work those transverse abs as a strong core is very important.

All the best